Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the economy by changing how businesses operate and the skills workers need to succeed. According to the 2025 global survey of the state of AI from McKinsey & Co., 88% of organizations are already using AI in at least one business function, up from 78% in 2024.
That shift is not limited to technology companies, either. AI’s impact can be felt in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, education, and many other sectors. For those preparing to enter the workforce, developing key AI skills can help them stay adaptable and competitive as industries continue to evolve.
Learning AI skills does not mean you need to become a programmer or a data scientist. In many careers, it is more about understanding how AI tools are used on the job and being able to use them effectively, while still relying on your own judgment.
Why Is Learning AI Skills Important?
PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer revealed that AI is having a significant impact on career readiness across industries. According to the report, the skills required for AI-exposed jobs are changing 66% faster than those in other roles, underscoring the importance of AI readiness in today’s workforce.
If you are looking for a job, this has several important implications:
AI skills can help you stand out in a competitive job market. As more employers adopt AI tools, they increasingly value workers who can adapt to these new systems and use them effectively in the workplace. PwC also found that workers with AI skills tend to earn more than those without them — a trend that holds true across every industry.
AI readiness can support long-term career growth. Roles are changing quickly as AI becomes more common, and workers who can learn new tools and interpret AI-generated information may be more likely to advance.
AI can boost productivity. Many organizations use AI to accelerate documentation, flag issues earlier and with greater accuracy, support scheduling, and improve decision-making. Workers who know how to use these tools thoughtfully may be able to work more efficiently.
AI proficiency can help you stay relevant in a changing economy. Even in fields where AI use is limited, digital systems and smart tools are becoming more common. This makes learning AI skills an increasingly important aspect of career readiness.
How Are Different Industries Using AI?
While AI is implemented differently across industries, a clear pattern has emerged: Employers are using it to drive efficiency and enhance decision-making. Whether you are preparing for a career in healthcare, construction, or another field, it helps to understand how these tools may affect your work.
Healthcare
In healthcare, AI is influencing both patient care and the systems that support it. For nurses and other healthcare professionals, AI can be used for documentation, patient monitoring, scheduling, and clinical decision support. It can also play a role in the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries.
Examples of AI applications in healthcare include:
AI-assisted documentation, such as automated note-taking, and administrative support, which can help reduce time spent on routine charting and related tasks
Predictive analytics and remote monitoring tools, which can help clinicians identify patient risks earlier and provide more responsive care
AI in pharmaceutical research, in which large datasets can be analyzed more efficiently to support drug development
AI-enabled medical devices and software that can help clinicians deliver more individualized patient care
Skilled Trades
AI is also taking on a larger role in the skilled trades, in which it is frequently used to streamline workflows and detect equipment problems. Aspiring workers in the skilled trades may encounter AI in applications such as the following:
AI-assisted diagnostics, such as tools that analyze system data, can help identify equipment or performance issues earlier
Predictive maintenance tools, which monitor equipment for signs of wear and tear, can help workers address problems before they lead to breakdowns or delays
Real-time weld monitoring, in which AI systems analyze welding conditions as work is being performed, can help operators spot issues early and make corrections
How to Develop AI Skills for Healthcare and the Skilled Trades
Although the technology behind AI is complex, you do not need advanced technical training to begin building relevant AI skills that can help you stand out in today’s job market. What matters most is developing practical competencies that can translate into your chosen field.
The following are some of the most vital AI skills to learn:
Basic AI literacy: Understanding the differences between AI, automation, machine learning, and generative AI can help you recognize how these technologies may affect your job. A recent LinkedIn analysis found that members have been adding AI literacy skills to their profiles at a much faster rate than skills overall, with AI literacy skills rising by 177% in 2024 compared with 36% growth across all skills.
Proficiency with AI tools: You should be comfortable using workplace technologies, digital platforms, and smart systems, as many of them are at least partially powered by AI.
Critical thinking: AI can be a useful decision-making support tool, but you still need to exercise your own professional judgment. In healthcare and the skilled trades, workers need to evaluate AI outputs thoughtfully and be able to recognize the technology’s limitations.
Ethical use: AI raises important questions around privacy, bias, safety, and accountability, particularly in healthcare. When working with these tools, you will need to understand not only what they can do but also how to use them responsibly.
Prepare for a Changing Workforce
As AI becomes more common across industries, learning how to work alongside these tools can help you feel more confident about the future. Developing AI skills may also allow you to stand out in a competitive job market and prepare you for a workforce in which adaptability and technical fluency are increasingly essential.
If you’re considering a career in healthcare or the skilled trades, Fortis’ training programs can help you achieve your goals. We offer more than 30 different programs covering various fields, from nursing and dentistry to welding and the electrical trades. With 28 campuses in 14 states, Fortis provides the convenience and accessibility many students need as they seek to launch their careers.
Learn more about the Fortis difference.
Recommended Readings
6 Essential Communication Skills in Nursing
Creating a Work/Life Balance as a Nurse
Preparing for a Career in Welding