Bridging the AI Skills Gap: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

The rapid evolution of AI and digital technologies has created an urgent need for a skilled workforce in Australia. Sandy Aitken – Technology Transformation Director at Cleanaway Waste Management, highlights the growing gap in foundational knowledge across technology disciplines, particularly in data and AI. Many professionals excel in customer-facing applications but lack an understanding of the backend data structures that power AI-driven solutions. ADAPT’s research, reinforces this challenge, emphasising that true AI value is unlocked when businesses invest in strong data management and governance. Without a solid technical foundation, AI adoption risks being superficial rather than transformative.

Sandy stresses the importance of flexible career development and practical learning experiences to build a resilient workforce. He encourages employees to explore different technology domains, even outside their immediate job roles, foster engagement and broaden their expertise. This approach aligns with leading companies that invest in continuous learning, certifications and cross-platform training, ultimately…