Supporting Tech Workers on the Road to AI Mastery

AI is significantly transforming every industry and tech is certainly no exception. Yet efficiency gains require more than just the tech itself; they demand boundaries, guidelines and learning opportunities.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Amdocs' latest data found that AI proficiency is highest among tech workers, with 72% reportedly having high competency. Still, there is much work to be done. When teams are fully equipped with these skills, software development can become more efficient and innovation-focused, enabling developers to focus on more complex problem-solving and creative tasks.

With AI tools, developers can accelerate processes like syntax formatting and unit testing, freeing up their time to dive into more creative tasks like design and architecture. Unsurprisingly, many are eager for this transition, but employers would be wise to consider the following before rolling out their AI plan.

Know Before You Go

Grappling with AI’s power and limits – especially regarding ethics and security – requires organization-wide comprehension. In software development, this is particularly crucial, as the systems being built impact lives. 

While AI can enhance productivity, it’s not infallible – generative AI tools are still prone to errors and hallucinations and developers must be skilled in distinguishing accurate results from mistakes. Luckily more organizations are starting to understand the importance, with 47% of tech workers reporting that their companies are prioritizing AI training.

Related:Can AI Mitigate the Impact of Social Isolation and Loneliness?

Training Is Make or Break, Especially for Gen Z

There are a variety of resources for developers to gain AI expertise, from corporate-led programs to online courses, but it’s up to the employers to help their workforce get started. Many tech companies are now offering internal upskilling programs – in fact, 90% of employees surveyed indicated their companies are providing some form of AI training. 

And it’s crucial they do. For Gen Z, that training is a deal breaker – 50% would consider looking for a new job if their company did not teach them about the technology. We’ve seen this at Amdocs too, with a growing 76% of employees having participated in such programs.

Getting the Team on Board

To ensure a successful deployment, HR and tech teams can align on the areas of best fit for AI integration, likely those tasks that are manual and repetitive. Setting concrete, measurable goals allows for an agile approach to integration, in which teams can pivot and adapt if AI isn’t achieving the desired results.  

Related:The Ethics of Digital Doppelgangers: When AI Reasons Like Us

Having that data available comes in handy when working to get leadership on board with financial support. The results speak for themselves, highlighting the business value AI skills create, from productivity gains to innovation.

It’s clear that tech teams are well on their way to AI adoption, but employers need to ensure the tail isn’t wagging the dog as they embark on this process. HR teams play an important role as strategic advisors to the business and it’s that expertise that can ensure a smooth AI journey for tech teams.