Technology

Look Who’s Learning AI 

A recent survey of digital skills pros discovered that the majority of learners enrolling in AI programs are experienced professionals, with many already in the middle or later stages of their careers.

Written By: BOSS Editorial

Published: June 2, 2025 | Updated: July 25, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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The promise and popularity of AI is evolving by the hour. In the workplace, on-the-job training brings leaders and teams up to speed on industry’s newest tech wizardry, and upskilling has become a career priority for many. But who exactly are these learners?  

Newbies or Old Pros? 

A recent survey of digital skills pros discovered that the majority of learners enrolling in AI programs are experienced professionals, with many already in the middle or later stages of their careers.1  

38.1% of learners are over 45 

18.6% of learners are in their early 40s  

4.4% of learners are under the age of 25.   

49.8% of learners hold a master’s degree 

37.8% have a bachelor’s degree 

Who’s Taking Classes? 

29.4% IT professionals 

13.5% Finance pros 

13.1% Healthcare workers  

What’s Motivating Everybody? 

  • Career transitions 
  • Skill-building 
  • Certification goals  
  • Career advancement 

37.6% seek career changes 

31.7% enroll to keep up with professional certification requirements 

19.4%  build and refine their skills to advance their careers 

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But What About the Generation Gap?  

62% of Millennials report strong AI expertise 

50% of Gen Z feel confident using AI at work 

22% of Boomers are AI-ready 

Who Gets More Opportunities to Excel in AI?  

Amongst workplaces that use AI, younger generations have more chances to leverage their knowledge. With retirement looming for a large percentage of Baby Boomers currently in the workforce, there are fewer opportunities for them.2  

34% Gen Z  

28% Gen X 

17% Boomers 

45% of Gen Z have had on-the-job training 

49% of Gen X have not 

58% of Boomers have not 

Let’s Talk Money 

For an organization with $20 billion in revenue, using GenAI can lead to estimated additional profits of $500 million to $1 billion, with nearly a third of those gains coming in the first 18 months3.  

Squawk From the C-Suite 

1,400 C-suite executives ranked AI and GenAI among their three top technology priorities, but significant barriers to adoption exist.4 

66% ambivalence or dissatisfaction with their progress 

62% a shortage of talent and skills  

47% unclear investment priorities 

42% lack of a responsible AI strategy 

Resources: 

  1. https://www.simplilearn.com/resources#ai-and-machine-learning 
  2. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/superagency-in-the-workplace-empowering-people-to-unlock-ais-full-potential-at-work#/ 
  3. https://www.randstadusa.com/business/business-insights/workplace-trends/generational-divide-ai-adoption/#:~:text=AI%20adoption%20and%20skills,current%20AI%20landscape%20within%20workplaces 
  4. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/five-must-haves-for-ai-upskilling