Why AI training may be employers’ most powerful talent drawcard

However, the report noted that the self-directed upskilling trend also reveals a quality gap.

While 60% of job seekers said they feel ready to adapt to AI at work, 61% described their proficiency as limited to general-purpose tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot or Gemini. Specialised capabilities such as prompt engineering (18%) and machine learning or model development (17%) were far less common.

Growing demand for AI-skilled talent

The report further revealed that while employer-provided AI training is falling behind, more employers are looking for talent with AI skills.

Lightcast job posting data included in the report shows employer demand for AI skills is broadening. Finance leads in AI skill saturation across the US, UK and Middle East, while healthcare is changing fastest, recording the largest share of newly emerging AI-related requirements among the sectors studied.

That widening demand is playing out in a tighter labour market. The iCIMS Insights September 2026 Workforce Report found US job openings outpaced hires for a third straight month in August, with time to fill reaching 40 days and applicants per opening falling to 30.