With nearly 40% of global employment exposed to artificial intelligence (AI), the workplace is undergoing a profound transformation. Generative AI, in particular, is revolutionizing industries and redefining the skills needed to succeed. As the global workforce ages, it’s increasingly critical for midcareer professionals to adapt—especially by building digital and AI fluency.

The Rise of Generative AI and Its Impact on the Workforce

Generative AI technologies—such as large language models, image generation tools, and deep learning systems—have surged in adoption due to their ability to automate complex tasks, generate content, and deliver insights at scale. These tools are reshaping business operations, streamlining workflows, and shifting the nature of work itself.

One of the most immediate impacts of AI on the workforce is freeing up employees to focus on strategic, creative, and high-value work. However, this shift is also leading to reduced hiring in some roles and a growing demand for new skill sets. Digital literacy, technical proficiency, and the ability to collaborate with AI are quickly becoming essential for career resilience.

Unfortunately, these changes are disproportionately affecting midcareer and older professionals. According to Generation United States and its global partners’ research, employers in the United States and Europe anticipate a 22% to 64% decline in entry- and mid-level hiring over the next 12 months—roles often pursued by midcareer workers. These reductions are driven by a mix of AI-driven productivity gains, economic pressures, and shifting business priorities. Alarmingly, hiring managers are three times more likely to consider candidates under 35 than those over 60 for AI-related roles, suggesting that age bias may be intensifying in the digital era.

The Ageing Workforce and the Need for Continuous Skill Building

The global workforce is aging, with a growing share of employees in midcareer. Yet, many of these professionals are not engaging in training at the pace needed to keep up with change. Generation United States and its global partners’ Midcareer Opportunity Report found that only 38% of workers over age 45 had participated in training in the past three years, and participation declines with age, regardless of education level.

Research indicates that AI adoption among midcareer professionals also remains low. Just 15% of workers aged 45+ in the United States and Europe report using AI at work. However, those who do use AI are often self-taught “power users,” leveraging these tools multiple times per week or even daily. Among these users:

• Over half say AI improves their work quality and speed
• Nearly half report that AI enables them to take on more advanced tasks
• One-third say AI helps them make better decisions
• 35% in the U.S. and 58% in Europe say AI makes their jobs more enjoyable

These findings underscore a critical truth: midcareer professionals can thrive with AI—if given the opportunity and support.

For employers, this is a crucial opportunity to supplement the strengths of midcareer professionals with the necessary training and development programs to foster a well-rounded midcareer workforce.

Why Digital and AI Skills Are Crucial for Midcareer Professionals

• Enhanced productivity: AI tools automate repetitive tasks and provide data-driven insights, enabling professionals to focus on strategic work.
• Career longevity: Continuous learning helps midcareer professionals stay relevant and transition into emerging roles.
• Competitive advantage: Organizations that invest in upskilling their workforce gain a performance edge. Midcareer professionals with digital fluency can lead innovation.
• Future-proofing: As AI becomes embedded in every industry, those who can collaborate with these tools will remain in demand.

How Employers Can Support Midcareer Professional Development

To unlock the full potential of experienced professionals, employers must invest in inclusive, future-focused development strategies:

• Develop AI use cases: Identify opportunities where institutional knowledge and AI tools can work together to drive value.
• Offer targeted training: Provide accessible, hands-on training in digital and AI skills through workshops, online courses, and real-world projects.
• Promote lifelong learning: Foster a culture that encourages continuous education and rewards skill development.
• Leverage mentorship: Pair midcareer professionals with digital-savvy mentors to accelerate learning and confidence.
• Support certification: Encourage and fund certifications in AI and digital technologies to validate skills and boost credibility.
• Gather insights: Analyze how employees across age groups use AI to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for tailored support.

The Role of Generation United States Employment Programs

At Generation United States, as part of a global network, we’re committed to helping midcareer professionals build the skills they need to succeed in a digital-first world. Our employment programs are designed to close the skills gap and prepare individuals for high-growth careers. We collaborate with employers and funders to create tailored training initiatives that address the needs of various industries by equipping job seekers with essential skills.

Our approach includes:

• Industry-aligned curricula: We design training based on real employer needs in sectors like tech.
• Hands-on learning: Participants gain practical experience through project-based training and real-world simulations.
• Comprehensive support: We offer mentorship, career coaching, and job placement assistance to ensure long-term success.

By partnering with Generation United States, employers and funders can help build a workforce that’s not only future-ready but also inclusive of the experience and potential of midcareer professionals. Investing in the development of digital and AI skills for midcareer professionals not only benefits individuals but also drives organizational success and innovation.

The rise of generative AI and the evolving nature of work underscore the importance of continuous skill development for midcareer professionals. As the global workforce ages, investing in digital and AI skills becomes crucial for career longevity and organizational competitiveness. Employers and funders have a unique opportunity to support this transition by partnering with us at Generation United States to provide targeted training and development programs. Together, we can build a workforce that is not only future-ready but also capable of leading the way in an increasingly digital world.

At Generation United States, we’re making a life-changing career available to anyone, anywhere. Explore our employment programs to see the professions we support.