Based on April–June 2025 survey data from findcourses.co.uk, this report reveals how AI is rapidly reshaping learner behaviour—and what training providers must do now to stay relevant.
📈 Executive Summary
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a growing force in shaping how and why people seek training. According to findcourses.co.uk’s survey data of over 1,000 learners and training buyers between April and June 2025, two-thirds of learners are influenced by AI when deciding to take a course — with motivations split between understanding the technology and adapting to industry changes.
Key findings include:
- Around 37% of learners are enrolling to future-proof their careers.
- Interest in changing careers into AI is declining.
- The top concern about AI is the need for continuous upskilling.
- Learners also express increasing appreciation for AI’s potential to make learning more efficient.
These insights present both a challenge and an opportunity for training providers: to support learners in navigating AI, while also addressing their concerns and evolving motivations.
💡 AI’s Influence on Course Decisions
We asked learners how AI factored into their decision to search for a course. Their responses reveal two distinct types of motivation.
What the Data Reveals:
- Around 68% of respondents say AI influenced their decision to search for a course.
- Of these, around 40% are driven by a desire to understand AI itself.
- Approximately 28% are motivated by upskilling or reskilling needs due to AI-driven changes in their industry.
- The "Not sure" group has grown slightly, indicating increasing complexity in understanding AI’s impact.
Takeaways for Providers:
- Frame AI broadly. Offer courses not just about AI technology, but also about its implications, applications, and industry shifts.
- Cater to mixed motivations. Serve both curiosity-driven learners and those reacting to job market shifts.
🎯 Primary Motivations for AI-Related Courses
Among those pursuing AI-related learning, we explored the deeper motivations driving their course selection.
What the Data Reveals:
- The top motivation is to future-proof careers (increasing to 39% in June).
- A growing number of learners aim to improve their efficiency with AI tools (around 30% monthly).
- Motivation to meet employer or industry requirements remains stable (~22–24%).
- Fewer learners are pursuing a career change into AI — falling from 13.9% to 7.8% over the three months.
Takeaways for Providers:
- Position your courses as future-ready, focusing on resilience, adaptability, and long-term career growth.
- Create practical courses that teach learners how to use AI tools to save time and work more efficiently — e.g., how to use generative AI for tasks like writing marketing copy, drafting emails, summarising reports, or designing visuals.
- Highlight use cases and pathways for integrating AI into existing roles, rather than requiring a full career shift.
⚠️ Concerns About AI and Learning
While AI presents new opportunities, learners also shared their anxieties about its impact on their professional future.
What the Data Reveals:
- The #1 concern is the need for continuous upskilling due to AI advances — peaking at nearly 50% in May.
- Job loss fears remain steady (~29–31%).
- Concerns about inaccurate AI-generated content are also present (~20–22%).
- Appreciation for AI-enhanced learning (not framed as a concern) is rising slightly, reaching 34.2% in June.
- The "No concerns" group is shrinking — indicating increasing wariness.
Takeaways for Providers:
- Address upskilling pressure with modular, ongoing learning options (e.g., short courses, micro-credentials).
- Build trust by clarifying the role of human expertise alongside AI.
- Educate on AI content quality: help learners evaluate and responsibly use AI-generated materials.
- Promote AI as an ally in learning, emphasising personalisation and efficiency benefits.
🧭 Strategic Recommendations for Training Providers
1. Design for Continuity
- Offer pathways rather than one-off courses: tiered skill levels, stackable certifications, or subscription-based learning.
- Regularly update content to reflect fast-moving AI developments.
2. Support the Curious and the Cautious
- Create introductory AI content for the general workforce.
- Emphasise low-barrier access and real-world relevance (e.g., “AI for HR professionals,” “Prompt engineering for marketers”).
3. Empower Learners with Tools
- Build tool-focused modules e.g. “How to use ChatGPT,” “AI in Excel,” “Using AI for creative brainstorming.”
- Position these as time-saving, efficiency-enhancing solutions.
4. Tackle Concerns Transparently
- Incorporate lessons on AI ethics, data accuracy, and career resilience.
- Feature real examples of how learners and organisations are adapting successfully.
📊 Final Thoughts
Learners are looking to navigate an AI-influenced future, not necessarily become AI specialists. They want tools, guidance, and reassurance — and training providers are uniquely positioned to meet these needs.
By understanding the motivations and fears driving learners today, providers can build relevant, responsible, and resilient training offers that empower people to thrive in an AI-shaped world.