KPMG's Skills-based Talent Strategy

AI innovations are advancing rapidly, creating a need for agile and responsive learning models. Even for technology experts, it can be challenging to keep up. Now put yourself in the shoes of non-technical workers who may already feel overburdened with meeting current day-to-day demands. Learning and development need to move at the pace of innovation—while still preserving human-centricity.

Keep these principles in mind when designing AI-centric learning and upskilling programs:

1. Make it personal. Tailor learning paths to individual strengths, limitations, interests, and career goals rather than offering one-size-fits-all programs. Give individuals choice and control over what, how, and when they learn. And make sure upskilling opportunities are available to all employees no matter their role, work location, or background.
2. Make it safe. Your talent needs to feel emotionally and psychologically safe as they navigate AI and its implications. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable experimenting, taking risks, making mistakes, and asking questions.
3. Make it daily. In the face of rapid change and innovation, learning and development needs to be baked into daily routines, whether in the form of AI agents who provide information at the point of need or human managers who offer ongoing guidance, mentorship, and coaching.

Fortunately, AI technology is ideally suited to enhancing—rather than replacing—the human connections that fuel engagement and creativity in your workforce. Prioritizing human-centric initiatives empowers your talent with the knowledge, mindset, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in evolving workforce models.

Traditionally, the learning management system has been the core of most learning and development programs. Yet legacy technology stacks may not fully support the shift to a skills-based talent strategy. Organizations may need to identify and invest in technology tools that help deconstruct roles into skills, so human resources leaders can begin to identify and bridge skill gaps across the organization.

Equally important is the ability to forecast skills the organization will need in the future, as such insights are crucial in shaping upskilling efforts. Consider emerging skills—and prioritize them for upskilling to ensure your workforce is capable of meeting future challenges.

Utilize technology for skills-based learning in the following ways:

• Evaluate current tools: Assess if your existing learning management systems support a skills-based approach.
• Trusted AI Enabled Solutions: Implement AI-driven platforms that offer real-time insights and predictive analytics to forecast future skill needs.
• Integrate smoothly: Ensure new technologies integrate with existing systems to provide a cohesive learning experience.

Traditional, one-off training modules must give way to a new operating model that fosters continuous and adaptive learning. The future of learning lies in integrating education into the flow of work—enabling employees to access training and information as they need it. For many organizations, this will involve migration from traditional learning experiences to AI-driven learning experiences that are on-demand and personalized.

Components of continuous learning should include:

• On-demand training: AI-powered systems can provide employees with the precise training they need when they need it.
• Adaptive learning paths: Personalized learning journeys adapt to individual progress and evolving skill requirements.
• Feedback loops: Continuous feedback mechanisms ensure learning is relevant and effective.

Investing in AI-powered and AI-focused learning and development can unleash entirely new pathways for growth and development, giving your organization a significant edge in the battle for talent. By leveraging external data to understand broader industry trends affecting talent availability, tenure, and demand for critical skills, companies can ensure they are equipped with the right mix of human and digital talent. This approach leads to more accurate forecasting and strategic decision-making, allowing organizations to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

As organizations navigate the complexities of AI integration, KPMG offers human-centered solutions that address workforce challenges and help futureproof operations. We help ensure your learning and development programs are aligned with your overall business strategy and technological maturity.

Our capabilities include:

• Skill-Gap Analysis: Utilizing proprietary AI tools, organizations can analyze and identify skill gaps as they arise.
• Trusted AI-Enabled Learning Systems: By implementing advanced AI-powered training platforms, learning experiences are personalized and provide real-time feedback.
• Tailored Upskilling Programs: Customized upskilling and reskilling programs designed to organizations’ unique needs and goals.
• AI Value Realization: Targeted strategies to help manage change effectively, so organizations can foster a culture that embraces AI and continuous learning and upskilling.