Is Executive Training the "picks and shovels" of the AI Gold Rush?
I put AI executive training in my 3 AI tools to get some feedback and insights and also looked at what Coursera, Udemy and the more expensive top end courses are attracting interest this year as our peer group exits corporate and looks to AI to be part of the next wave transforming the world of work.
The "picks and shovels" of the AI gold rush, particularly in education and training, are the tools and services enabling businesses to leverage AI without developing the technology themselves. Executive AI courses from prestigious UK and US institutions exemplify this, as they equip leaders with strategic, ethical, and operational insights. Here's a breakdown of their relevance and trajectory toward 2025:
Current Landscape (2023):
- High Demand: Institutions like MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, and London Business School offer sold-out executive courses focused on AI strategy, ethics, and implementation. These programs cater to corporate leaders seeking to drive AI adoption.
- Content Focus: Courses emphasize foundational AI concepts, use cases, governance, and ROI measurement, often blending technical literacy with strategic decision-making.
Key Drivers of Relevance in 2025:
- AI Integration Maturity: By 2025, AI will be deeply embedded across industries, necessitating advanced training in:
- Industry-Specific Applications (e.g., healthcare diagnostics, supply chain optimization).
- Regulatory Compliance (e.g., EU AI Act, U.S. AI frameworks).
- Ethical AI Deployment (bias mitigation, transparency).
- Curriculum Evolution: Top-tier programs will differentiate by offering:
- Real-World Projects: Hands-on experience with generative AI, LLMs, and industry tools.
- Cross-Disciplinary Insights: Integration of AI with sustainability, cybersecurity, and global policy trends.
- Micro-Credentials: Partnerships with tech firms (e.g., AWS, OpenAI) for certifications.
- Competition & Saturation:
- Rise of Alternatives: Online platforms (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning) may offer cost-effective, niche courses.
- Corporate In-House Training: Companies like Google and McKinsey develop proprietary AI training, though external courses retain appeal for networking and prestige.
- Geopolitical Factors: UK/US institutions may face competition from emerging hubs (e.g., Singapore, UAE) but maintain clout due to brand recognition and research ties.
Projected Relevance in 2025:
- Staying Power of Elite Programs: Institutions adapting curricula to emphasize strategic leadership (e.g., AI-driven business model innovation) and ethics will remain relevant. Programs offering executive peer networks and custom corporate training will thrive.
- Risk of Obsolescence: Courses failing to update content or address emerging trends (e.g., quantum computing, AI regulation) may lose market share to agile competitors.
Specific AI Skills in Demand:
The following technical and workplace AI skills are currently in high demand:
Technical Skills:
- Prompt engineering
- Data science and analysis
- Programming languages such as Python
- Emotional intelligence
- Interpersonal skills
- Active learning and willingness to continue learning
- Innovation and creative thinking
- Bias detection
- Analytical judgment and critical thinking
- Flexibility and adaptability
AI Training Options: A Diverse Landscape
Fortunately, a diverse range of AI training options is available to address the skills gap, catering to different needs and budgets. These options include online courses, university programs, and in-person workshops.
Below course comes up a lot and I did go and register for it via Coursera which does offer good value.
A reader has signed up for this course and I look forward to feedback on the content given its a significant training investment
And Google has some great courses and content as below
Qwiklabs
If you like a long read with lots of links, I also used Google Deep Research to produce the PDF below which has a number of links to the training and course work for our markets and coming out of UK and EMEA.
Member discussion