Upskilling in Finance AI Surges by 75% in Just 3 Months – Industries Outside Tech Eager to Close Gaps 

February 27, 2025 By Paxton Mittleman
Udemy Business

 

AI proficiency is now essential, as Udemy’s Q4 2024 Learning Index reveals AI training is accelerating across industries.  

From finance to factories, companies are doubling down on AI training to upskill their employees in a rapidly evolving job market. Udemy’s Q4 2024 Learning Index reveals just how fast this shift is happening. Quarter-over-quarter trends in course consumption from over 17,000 Udemy Business customers shows AI upskilling is no longer confined to tech teams; it’s become a workplace necessity across industries. 

AI Upskilling Surges in Finance, Manufacturing, and Professional Services

Udemy’s Q4 2024 Learning Index found AI skill adoption is accelerating fastest in finance, manufacturing, and professional services, industries that have historically been slower to adopt AI training. Now, AI proficiency is becoming a baseline requirement in those industries and others:

  • Finance AI course consumption surged 75% quarter-over-quarter in Q4, up from a 42% increase in Q3, reflecting increased adoption in areas like financial analysis, risk assessment, and automation.
  • Manufacturing AI course consumption increased 50% quarter-over-quarter, as AI-driven automation and predictive maintenance become key to operational efficiency.
  • Transportation AI course consumption rebounded in Q4, increasing 11% quarter-over-quarter after a decline in Q3, showing renewed investment in AI for logistics and supply chain optimization.
  • Government AI course consumption increased 8% quarter-over-quarter, indicating a steady push toward AI upskilling in the public sector.

Our certification prep enrollments also show the demand for AI skills across industries. These enrollments signal the skills that learners want to validate with employers. In Q4, AWS Certified AI Practitioner course consumption jumped 85%, showing more professionals are eager to demonstrate their AI skillsets through different credentials and badges.

Udemy’s Global Learning & Skills Trends Report points to AI’s trending growth; in 2024 alone:

  • Demand for AI skills nearly quadrupled in just 12 months (291%), highlighting a growing need for AI literacy.
  • Generative AI for workplace efficiency grew nearly 10x (859%), as businesses sought to leverage AI-powered productivity tools and integrate AI into day-to-day work.

AI Proficiency: A Must-Have Skill for the Future of Work

It’s clear that AI is now a foundational skill across industries, and those who embrace it will have the strongest opportunities moving forward. 

“AI proficiency is no longer a niche skill – it’s becoming as essential as computer skills were 30 years ago,” says Mischa Fisher, Economist at Udemy. “Companies are ramping up AI training because they can’t afford to wait — automation is reshaping industries, labor shortages are increasing, and businesses need AI-driven efficiencies to stay competitive. Those that don’t prioritize upskilling now risk falling behind in an economy where AI integration is quickly becoming the norm.”

For Job Seekers and Professionals:

AI skills are no longer just a bonus on a resume. They’re becoming essential for hiring, promotions, and long-term career growth. Employers increasingly seek professionals who can seamlessly integrate AI into their workflows to drive efficiency and innovation. To stay competitive, job seekers and professionals should:

  • Build AI literacy: Take courses to develop skills on AI fundamentals, automation tools, and industry-specific AI applications.
  • Apply AI: Learn how AI can enhance decision-making, automate repetitive work, and improve productivity.
  • Earn AI certifications: Credentials like the AWS Certified AI Practitioner validate expertise.

For Business Leaders:

AI upskilling is no longer optional. It’s a business necessity. Companies without AI-ready teams risk falling behind as automation and AI-driven decision-making become the norm. To stay competitive:

  • Integrate AI training: Equip employees with AI courses that align with business goals.
  • Encourage cross-functional AI adoption: AI isn’t just for tech teams. Train finance, operations, HR, and customer service teams to leverage AI tools.
  • Incentivize AI proficiency: Recognize and reward employees who use AI to drive efficiency and results.

Future-Proof Your Career and Workforce with AI Skills

The rise of AI in the workplace is part of a larger, ongoing transformation. One where new technologies will continue to reshape job roles and skill requirements. How to effectively utilize AI in the workplace is a must-have skill, but this demand will continue to change and evolve as technology advances. The most successful professionals and organizations will be those that embrace continuous learning, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve as the workforce evolves.

Whether you’re looking to advance your career or future-proof your workforce, now is the time to build AI proficiency. For professional learners looking to level up their AI skillsets, visit https://www.udemy.com. For organizations looking to upskill their employees effectively in the latest AI tools, visit https://business.udemy.com.