Artificial intelligence is transforming the learning and development (L&D) sector, with industry leaders anticipating both disruption and new opportunities. A LearnUpon survey of 600 L&D leaders across the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand found that 43 per cent believe their roles could be replaced by AI, while 40 per cent expect partial disruption. Only three per cent see no impact at all, highlighting a profession at a critical turning point.
Despite this anxiety, wellbeing remains a top priority. Forty-four per cent of respondents ranked mental health as their leading focus in 2024, ahead of AI-driven learning and microlearning at 42 per cent. This reflects an understanding that while technology is reshaping delivery, human-centred support remains essential.
Budgets are also holding up strongly. Seventy per cent of UK leaders, 66 per cent in the US, and 84 per cent in Australia and New Zealand expect budget increases in 2025. At the same time, 91 per cent say they can now track the impact of their programmes effectively, shifting measurement from course completions to deeper indicators such as skills development and business performance. “L&D leaders are being tasked with reshaping employee experiences and fostering business stability—goals that demand strategic technology adoption and precise measurement,” said Brendan Noud, CEO of LearnUpon.
AI is already augmenting L&D functions. Automation supports content creation, personalised learning and real-time chatbot mentoring, while AI-driven analytics identify skills gaps and optimise pathways. Surveys suggest most leaders expect AI to enhance creativity and strategy rather than simply eliminate jobs.
The rise of AI is also reshaping workforce priorities more broadly. Research by the AI Workforce Consortium shows that 78 per cent of IT jobs now require AI skills, though shortages persist in areas such as ethics and security. Academic analysis suggests demand is growing for complementary skills like teamwork and resilience, while routine tasks lose value.
Reports indicate that AI disruption is more likely to reduce outsourced or offshore roles than core in-house positions, with companies using AI to boost productivity in areas such as sales and marketing. For freelancers, AI is creating higher-earning opportunities for those who can leverage new tools effectively.
Challenges remain, including attracting talent, aligning L&D with wider business strategies and keeping pace with rapid technological change. Yet the sector is adapting by prioritising data analytics, AI fluency and leadership development as essential skills for the future.
The evidence points to a selective but powerful transformation. While AI will reshape L&D, leaders who balance technological adoption with investment in human-centred skills and wellbeing are positioned to elevate their role from support function to strategic driver of business performance.
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