The Next AI Boom Is Worker Training

The Next AI Boom Is Worker Training

https://www.pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2026/the-next-ai-boom-is-worker-training/

Publish Date: 2026-05-21 04:04:00

Source Domain: www.pymnts.com

• Commencement Speech Conviction: At the University of Arizona’s commencement, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt emphasized the inevitability of AI shaping the future, urging graduates to participate in shaping its direction.

• Lack of Training: A PYMNTS Intelligence study revealed that nearly half of professional workers in the U.S. received no on-the-job training in AI tools and automated processes in the past year.

• AI in Corporate Use: Financial services firms are deploying AI across more tasks compared to healthcare and media firms, according to a PYMNTS Intelligence report.

• Public Perception vs. Reality: While there is concern about AI displacing jobs, Schmidt argues that adaptation and reshaping by individuals will be key, and currently, AI’s impact on daily work roles is minimal.

• Need for Knowledge: Experts like Chitra Naubatt highlight the importance of understanding and embracing AI to shape its future, but current training initiatives are insufficient.

• Shift in Job Market: The Atlanta branch of the Federal Reserve noted that AI’s impact is more about shifting tasks than causing widespread job losses. However, there is a noted lack of workforce training to adjust to these new changes.

• Confidence vs. Reality: While most educated professionals are confident in finding similar-paying jobs if AI eliminates their current roles, this contrasts with the reality faced by a significant portion of the workforce.

• Different Perspectives: There is a disconnect between AI experts’ optimistic views and public fears about AI’s future, indicating a need for better communication and training across the workforce.