AI skills surpass IT, engineering as the most difficult to find, report says

Core Insights - Skills related to artificial intelligence have become the most difficult for employers to find globally, surpassing traditional IT and engineering skills for the first time [1][2] - 72% of employers report hiring difficulties, a slight decrease from 74% the previous year, indicating a persistent global talent crisis [2] - The demand for AI skills is displacing traditional IT and data skills, with traditional IT skills now ranked seventh, below AI literacy, sales and marketing, and manufacturing [3] Talent Scarcity - Talent scarcity is described as "universal," but varies by location, with Western European countries like Germany, France, and the U.K. facing significant shortages, while the U.S. is slightly below the global average at 69% [4] - The struggle to find talent spans various industries, including information, hospitality, and the public sector [5] Employer Strategies - To combat talent shortages, employers are increasingly focusing on internal development and offering schedule and location flexibility as part of their strategies [5] - Retention is a top priority for employers, with over half indicating it as their main workforce focus for 2026, incorporating skills building as a strategy to address the lack of qualified candidates [6] Volatility in Skills Requirements - The introduction of AI has made skills requirements particularly volatile, with some workforce strategies potentially outdated due to macroeconomic factors like an aging population and decreased immigration [7]