AI skills gap persists as leaders lead in adoption

A TripleTen survey of 2,000 U.S. full-time workers reveals that AI adoption is accelerating at the top of organizations, with executives and managers experiencing the most change. Sixty-eight percent of C-suite executives and 55% of managers report significant job changes due to AI, compared to 26% of entry-level employees. Russell Ramesh, TripleTen’s chief strategy officer, notes leaders are first to feel AI’s impact due to their accountability for its effects on growth and team operations. Leaders emphasize AI skills as essential, yet fewer non-manager staff are being trained. Forty-three percent of owners and managers consider AI chatbots essential, but only 24% of non-manager staff have been asked to learn them. Senior leaders are more likely to access AI training, with 49% of C-suite leaders learning chatbots versus 13% of entry-level employees. Ana Riabova, TripleTen’s AI strategy lead, explains juniors often get access later with less guidance. Many workers are self-teaching AI, with 90% of executives and 71% of managers doing so confidently. However, only 39% of mid-level employees and 3,1% of entry-level workers report the same. As AI reshapes entry-level roles, those at the bottom face fewer opportunities to develop skills. Victor Menin, TripleTen’s vice president, highlights that 48% of workers are considering backup careers due to limited growth opportunities, with 77% already preparing for it.