65% of Australian Workers Lack AI Training as Demand Soars
▼ Summary
– Dayforce’s survey reveals organizations are struggling to convert AI enthusiasm into real business value despite accelerating adoption.
– A significant training gap exists, with 50% of workers reporting their companies don’t offer AI training despite 30% wanting to develop AI skills.
– Workers show optimism about AI’s potential, with 60% more optimistic than a year ago and 86% saying AI has made their jobs easier.
– There’s a trust divide as 65% of Australian workers see ethical challenges in AI, while 23% of organizations lack documented AI use policies.
– Executives report clear AI value in HR functions, with 77% seeing benefits in automation, while most organizations lack programs to reskill employees affected by AI.
A significant gap exists between the promise of artificial intelligence and the preparedness of the Australian workforce, with new research revealing that 65% of Australian workers lack access to company-provided AI training despite soaring demand for these skills. This training deficit is emerging as a critical barrier for businesses aiming to convert early AI enthusiasm into tangible business results. The findings come from a comprehensive international survey that included 1,000 Australian and 520 New Zealand workers, managers, and executives.
While a majority of employees, 60% in Australia and 55% in New Zealand, feel more optimistic about AI’s potential than they did a year ago, a clear disconnect persists. Half of the Australian workforce reports their employer does not offer AI training courses, a figure that rises to 52% in New Zealand. This is particularly striking given that 30% of Australian workers acknowledge the importance of developing AI competencies.
The study also uncovers a notable trust divide regarding the ethical use of this technology. Sixty-five percent of Australian workers believe AI presents ethical challenges, a concern shared by 58% of their New Zealand counterparts. This apprehension is compounded by the fact that 23% of Australian organizations operate without a documented policy governing AI use, leaving employees without clear guidelines.
Perceptions about AI’s impact on employment are mixed. Nearly one in three Australians (32%) and a quarter of New Zealanders anticipate that AI will lead to more job creation. However, a larger proportion, 43% of Australians and 48% of New Zealanders, fear it will result in job losses. This anxiety is reflected in career regrets, with 26% of Australians stating they would have chosen a different career path had they known about AI’s effect on job security.
On a positive note, early returns on AI investment are visible, especially in operational efficiency. Seventy-seven percent of Australian workers trust AI tools to provide the right information for accurate, data-driven decisions. Executives are already reporting clear value, with high adoption rates in HR automation (77%), internal mobility (76%), and learning and reskilling initiatives (72%).
The research identifies three primary challenges organizations must confront to progress. First is closing the substantial training gap. An overwhelming 81% of Australians believe employers should reskill workers affected by AI, yet a mere 17% of organizations currently have such programs in place.
Second is navigating workforce transitions. Thirteen percent of workers have already seen their roles change because of AI, and 40% expect more changes soon. A quarter of the workforce feels their skills are becoming obsolete. Despite this, 56% of companies lack a program to reskill or transition employees whose jobs are impacted by automation.
The third challenge involves building trust. A significant confidence gap exists between leadership and staff. Australian executives are nearly 30% more likely than their employees to trust the organization to use AI responsibly.
Industry leaders emphasize the urgency of addressing these issues. “The Productivity Commission estimated that AI has the potential to add $116 billion to Australia’s economy over the next decade,” said Rob Husband, Vice President for Australia and New Zealand at Dayforce. “However, our findings show most businesses are not yet realising its full value. Employees are eager to reskill, but without investment in training and transparency, businesses risk chasing market noise rather than creating lasting impact.”
Amy Cappellanti-Wolf, Chief People Officer, noted the clear mandate for HR leaders: “Infuse AI skills and pathways for your people today or risk being left behind. Without a clear strategy, organizations risk creating a two-tier workforce, those driving innovation with AI and those struggling to keep pace.”
Carrie Rasmussen, Chief Digital Officer, highlighted the widening readiness gap, stating, “Three out of four executives say they’re prepared for AI, but that drops to less than one in four on the front lines. The real race isn’t just about speed; it’s about bringing your workforce with you.”
For technology leaders, the findings underscore the need for solutions that help employees build future-ready skills and take charge of their career development. Organizations that successfully align their people strategies with technological adoption will be best equipped to remain agile. Ultimately, businesses that move beyond the hype to focus on practical skills development, ethical trust-building, and internal career mobility will be the ones to unlock lasting value, transforming early AI experiments into measurable improvements in both workforce potential and business performance.
(Source: ITWire Australia)
