AI Upskilling Surge: Companies double mid and senior-level employee training to drive innovation in 2025

Mid- and Senior-Level Employees Now at the Center of AI Training

As AI continues to disrupt industries, companies are shifting their focus from entry-level hiring to upskilling mid- and senior-level employees, ensuring leaders are equipped to steer innovation and growth. According to Great Learning for Business, training demand for mid-level employees more than doubled in FY25, rising from 15% to 35%, while senior-level training saw a similar surge.

“Organisations are recognising that the future of growth hinges not just on fresh talent, but on resilient leaders who can navigate AI-driven volatility,” said Great Learning for Business in its latest insights.

The demand for AI and Generative AI skills is no longer limited to IT departments. The report highlights:

• 48% of IT/ITeS companies prioritise AI training.
• 14% of Manufacturing & Supply Chain firms are following suit.
• 10% of BFSI and Healthcare organisations are also investing in AI upskilling.

Similarly, Data Science, Analytics, and Cybersecurity have emerged as must-have skills across functions like operations, customer experience, risk management, and strategy — proving that technical capabilities are now essential beyond core IT teams.

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To maximise ROI from training, companies are taking a demand-driven approach:

• 26% provide role-specific programs linking training to career growth.
• 25% update learning content to align with emerging trends.
• 19% emphasise industry certifications, giving employees recognisable credentials.
• 13% invest in external experts and quarterly skills-gap assessments to stay ahead.

This approach not only strengthens leadership pipelines but also empowers mid-level employees to translate strategy into actionable results, bridging execution and innovation.

Historically, over 80% of enterprise training at Great Learning focused on early-career professionals. In FY25, macroeconomic caution led to a temporary pause in entry-level onboarding. However, FY26 has seen a rapid resurgence, with thousands of early-career employees now trained in high-demand areas like AI and GenAI.

This layered approach — upskilling both early-career talent and leadership — is helping companies build capabilities that drive immediate operational efficiency while laying the groundwork for long-term strategic transformation.

As AI-driven workplace volatility becomes the new normal, organisations are realising that resilient leadership and digitally skilled managers are critical for innovation and growth. With mid- and senior-level training surging across industries, the message is clear: the future belongs to companies that invest in their people as much as their technology.