New insights from Coursera’s annual Job Skills Report reveal shifts in skill development among employees, job seekers, and students worldwide.
The data, based on over five million learners who accessed the platform via universities, businesses, or governments, shows the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity skills.
AI is the fastest-growing job skill globally and in the UK, with course enrolments increasing by 866 percent year-over-year. Generative AI topped the list of skills in demand among employees, students, and job seekers, reflecting the increasing integration of AI tools into workplaces.
Despite this growth, the report identified an urgent need to address gender disparities in AI. Only 28 percent of AI course enrolments were from women, raising concerns as a significant proportion of women work in roles vulnerable to AI disruption.
Cybersecurity skills also experienced a surge, driven by increasing risks. Six of the ten fastest-growing tech skills were cybersecurity-related, reflecting heightened demand for expertise in managing digital threats.
Generative AI Skills Dominate
Generative AI was identified as the most sought-after skill in the UK, with “Google AI Essentials” being the most popular course among British learners on Coursera. Other widely taken courses included “AI for Everyone” and “Supervised Machine Learning”.
Globally, the demand for AI skills is no longer limited to traditional markets. Over half of Generative AI course enrolments were from learners in emerging economies like India, Colombia, and Mexico, indicating a shift in AI talent distribution.
Nikolaz Foucaud, Managing Director EMEA, Coursera said, “With proliferation of, and advancements in, foundational models, GenAI will continue to reshape jobs and industries at an unprecedented rate. With the potential to unlock $15.7 trillion in global economic value by 2030, these gains will depend on our ability to help people develop skills to use AI effectively and make the most of its potential. In 2025, we expect the global race toward AI literacy to further accelerate.”
Women Underrepresented in AI
The report highlighted the gender imbalance in AI skill development, with women accounting for only 28 percent of Coursera’s AI course enrolments. This disparity is concerning given the disproportionate impact of generative AI on roles predominantly held by women. For instance, 79 percent of working women are employed in jobs susceptible to AI disruption, compared to 58 percent of men.
“When you look at the tech landscape today, it is clear that the gender gap remains pronounced. The gender gap in STEM has long been a problem, and now it’s becoming increasingly apparent in the field of AI” said Marni Baker-Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera. “With only 22% of AI and data science professionals being women, the gender gap is a significant barrier that has consequences for both social equity, and the overall effectiveness of AI technology.
“Women cannot afford to be excluded from the global AI upskilling revolution. Encouraging women to pursue AI skills through educational initiatives and workplace policies will be crucial to narrowing the gender gap and ensuring AI benefits everyone.”
Cybersecurity Skills in High Demand
The rapid rise in cyber threats has driven the demand for cybersecurity skills. With 93 percent of organisations reporting multiple identity-related breaches in the past year, expertise in risk management and threat modelling has become essential.
In the UK, cybersecurity was the second most popular skill area, and “Cyber Security Essentials” ranked as the fourth most popular course on Coursera in 2024. The growing interest in cybersecurity aligns with the financial impact of cyberattacks, which have cost the UK economy £44 billion over the past five years.
Human Skills Retain Value
Despite the rise of AI and tech skills, human skills remain crucial in the workplace. Assertiveness and communication ranked among the top 10 skills in 2024, reflecting their ongoing importance to businesses.
However, fewer students are pursuing these skills compared to employees and job seekers. This trend is concerning, particularly for Gen Z workers, 71 percent of whom report difficulties speaking up in meetings.
“Human skills remain essential, with 84% of managers insisting that new employees possess and demonstrate the ability to communicate in a professional manner and articulate their ideas,” said Foucaud. “This report serves as a guide to better understand the human and technology skills needed to thrive in 2025 and beyond so everyone can learn, adapt, and succeed amid labour market change.”
Prompt Engineering Essential for Job Seekers
With AI tools becoming integral to various industries, prompt engineering has become a critical competency. Courses such as “Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT” and “Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics” ranked among the top five Generative AI courses taken by students and job seekers.
Recruitment professionals are increasingly updating job descriptions to include AI-related responsibilities, with 22 percent reflecting the need for prompt engineering skills.
Sustainability-focused skills also featured prominently among students, with three of the top 10 skills addressing environmental concerns. This aligns with predictions from the World Economic Forum, which ranked sustainability as the second-fastest-growing job role from 2023 to 2027.
Alessandra Pacelli is a journalist and author contributing to HRreview, an HR news and opinion publication, where she covers topics including labour market trends, employment costs, and workplace issues. She is a journalism graduate and self-described lifelong dog lover who has also written for Dogs Today magazine since 2014.
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
