New Report: The Productivity Shift – How AI is Redefining Skills and Work
Posted 30 June 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept. It’s being harnessed by individuals and businesses globally, and is transforming the way we live, learn, and work.
At NOCN Group, we’ve always been at the forefront of skills development, and are proud to launch our latest report: "The Productivity Shift: How AI is Redefining Skills and Work."
Why this report matters
From how we work to how we relax, AI is becoming deeply embedded in every aspect of our lives. Its potential to boost productivity, fuel economic growth, and if embraced thoughtfully by governments, contribute to a fairer distribution of wealth, is indisputable.
As AI technologies continue to evolve, so too will the goods and services built upon them. Businesses will increasingly rely on people who not only understand AI but can also apply it creatively and ethically. These AI-powered products and services won’t be static - they’ll constantly adapt and improve, requiring a workforce that’s agile, innovative, and ready to evolve alongside them.
This shift means that the demand for AI-related skills is only going to grow. Bringing with it the need to continuously upskill in ways we’ve never experienced before. Lifelong learning will become the norm, and AI itself will play a key role in supporting that journey, by personalising learning, enhancing training, and helping people stay economically active in a rapidly changing world.
At NOCN Group, we’ve spent nearly 45 years supporting education and workforce development. We know that skills are the engine of productivity and progress. As AI reshapes the world of work, we’re committed to helping individuals and organisations navigate this transformation: equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the age of AI.
Our new report explores
- The transformative impact of AI on productivity across sectors
- How AI is reshaping the skills landscape—from technical capabilities to soft skills
- The importance of inclusive, forward-thinking education and training strategies
- Practical insights for educators, employers, and policymakers
Download the full report here.
The report also showcases real examples of how NOCN Group are using AI for increased productivity – with mini case studies on AI-assisted assessment, and on tackling the skills gap in construction through game-based learning.
AI isn’t just about automation, it’s about using intelligent tools to enhance human potential, personalise learning, and modernise assessment. Our report highlights how organisations can harness AI to build a more agile, skilled, and future-ready workforce.
Our Chief Executive, Graham Hasting-Evans, said this:
“AI has the potential to be a great equaliser: boosting productivity, driving economic growth, and helping to create a fairer society. But to realise this potential, we must ensure that people have the right skills and access to lifelong learning. That’s why we’re proud to launch this report, which we hope will spark vital conversations and drive meaningful action across the skills and employment sector.”
Whether you're an educator, employer, policymaker, or learner, this report offers valuable insights into how AI is changing the world of work, and what we can do to stay ahead.