Intervention

Rethinking skills acquisition in the AI era

For a lasting impact, companies must integrate artificial intelligence into structured and continuous training paths

by Pietro Iurato*

16 October 2025

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Today, the efficient induction of new employees has become a key competitive advantage: every extra week needed to train an employee is a week of lost productivity.

The rise of artificial intelligence presents an opportunity not only to accelerate training, but also to promote sustained organisational efficiency. A global survey conducted in 2024 by consultancy Cegos found that 44 per cent of employees already use AI-based learning, and 81 per cent of HR managers are integrating or planning to implement such technologies. This underlines the prevalence of AI in corporate learning, but also raises a fundamental question: how can organisations ensure that the speed of learning does not come at the expense of accuracy and sustainability?

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the learning experience

While the human capacity for learning has developed over millennia, the capabilities of artificial intelligence have made great strides in just a few years. If properly aligned with learning best practices, artificial intelligence can transform this experience across three key dimensions: personalisation, practice and measurement. Consider, for example, how the field training of new salespeople demonstrates these dimensions in practice.

Customised training stimulates involvement

Firstly, customisation based on artificial intelligence stimulates greater engagement. generative artificial intelligence tools can help learners delve into complex topics based on individual gaps. in the case of sales professionals, artificial intelligence can analyse performance patterns and knowledge levels to create customised learning paths that focus precisely on the skills each individual needs to develop, whether it is product knowledge, negotiation techniques or objection handling. this customised approach leads to greater knowledge retention and application as learning experiences become directly relevant to the role.

Accelerating Skills Development through Simulated Practice

Secondly, practice-based learning accelerates the onboarding and acquisition of skills. For example, sales professionals can use artificial intelligence-based simulators to practise customer conversations with virtual buyers who respond naturally to different presentations and approaches, while receiving immediate feedback on their communication style, clarity of value proposition and response to objections. These simulated interactions build trust before real customer contacts, dramatically reducing start-up time.

Measuring and maintaining skills

Thirdly, measurement ensures that the knowledge acquired is truly consolidated. Sustainable training requires more than just speed. It must incorporate accurate understanding and long-term applicability. Artificial intelligence-based learning platforms not only monitor course completion, but also the actual development of skills through continuous evaluation. Repetitive on-the-job training and immersive experiences can help reinforce knowledge. For example, sales teams can use artificial intelligence tools that analyse real interactions with customers after training, measuring the effectiveness with which new techniques are applied and providing continuous microlearning updates just as skills begin to fade, ensuring that the investment in sales training produces lasting performance improvement.

From skills gap to strategic learning

However, even with these tools, training and development professionals face challenges. The Cegos study reports that almost half of HR professionals find it difficult to adapt their training offerings quickly enough to meet real needs. Employees, for their part, often feel that their training needs are being met too late. Artificial intelligence can bridge this gap by using learning data analysis to identify skills gaps early and provide timely interventions.

The real opportunity lies in balancing accelerated learning with the development of long-term competencies. Companies must not only measure the speed at which employees attain competencies, but also ensure that these are long-lasting. Key strategies include microlearning, adaptive content, mentoring and the integration of practical steps, all of which aim to deeply anchor knowledge while reducing unnecessary delays.

Ensuring lasting impact

To truly accelerate the time it takes to acquire skills while ensuring accurate and lasting understanding, companies need structured and scalable training solutions. Structured training paths support customised rhythms and continuous development, allowing employees to engage in professional growth without interrupting their day-to-day responsibilities. By integrating training into daily workflows, organisations can promote sustainable learning habits and provide employees with the skills they need to perform for the long term.

In short, artificial intelligence will not replace human learning, but will improve it, only if we apply it with purpose. As leaders, we must measure success not only in terms of speed, but also in terms of sustained ability.

*HRD Head EMEA, SAP