AI, automation, and emerging technologies are reshaping how we work, learn, and grow. Traditional job roles are transforming and the demand for tech-savvy talent is growing. As companies race to stay competitive, individuals across all industries are realizing the need to adapt.
From marketers using AI-powered analytics tools to software developers integrating AI copilots into their workflows, upskilling is a necessity for all tech professionals. Standing still isn’t an option. Everyone needs to upskill to stay competitive and keep their place and acumen in the workforce.
This blog explores what upskilling means and who’s actually upskilling in tech in 2025.
What is Upskilling?
Upskilling is the process of learning new or advanced skills to improve your performance and capabilities within your current role or field. Technology is transforming nearly every industry. That’s why people are learning digital tools, coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, and AI – skills that help them stay competitive and future-ready. Upskilling doesn’t mean going back to university for years. It can happen through short courses, workshops, bootcamps, or even online training during evenings and weekends.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 85% of employers say they plan to upskill their workforce in the next few years.
People choose to upskill for many reasons. Most importantly, to stay relevant in a fast-changing job market. As new technologies reshape workflows, roles evolve, and automation takes over routine tasks, professionals need to adapt or risk being left behind. The return on investment (ROI) is clear: those who upskill often see better job security, promotions, and salary increases. For companies, upskilling boosts productivity, innovation, and employee retention. It’s more cost-effective to train current staff than hire new talent.
Who’s Upskilling in Tech in 2025?
Upskilling is happening across all sectors and backgrounds. Here are five key profiles of upskillers in 2025:
1. High Achievers
These are the go-getters who are doing well but always seek more. They’re climbing fast and see tech skills as a lever for smarter decisions, better performance, and bigger impact. Instead of waiting for change to hit them, they’re racing ahead to lead it. They always want to become a better version of themselves and use the latest tools to their advantage.
“I’m a Product Manager, and when I noticed how AI was changing everything, I knew I couldn’t just sit back. I enrolled in a course after work, learned the tools, and started applying them right away. I’m now sharper, faster, and delivering more value than ever.” – Isabelle R., Amsterdam
2. Employees Looking for their Next Job
Some employees are not switching careers, just looking for the next position on the ladder. Maybe it’s a new team, a new company, or just a more advanced role. The problem? Job descriptions now expect them to know tools and technologies they’ve never used, like ChatGPT and other AI tools. So they upskill to get ready for the job hunt and the next job. They take targeted courses and workshops to fill gaps in their CV and move forward – smarter, sharper, and more confident.
“The job I wanted said ‘working knowledge of SQL and Python preferred.’ So I signed up for a course and made SQL and Python my strength. It wasn’t easy balancing work and study, but I knew it would pay off. By the time I interviewed, I could show real projects and spreadsheets that I’ve built with SQL and Python and I landed the offer I’d been dreaming about.” – Tarek A., Dubai
3. Professionals Who Want a Promotion
Sometimes, the only thing standing between you and a promotion is a skill you haven’t mastered yet. Sometimes a new tech skill sets you apart from other internal candidates and positions you as a lifelong learner with a professional development mindset. These upskillers are looking to move up internally and they know that means understanding the tech driving their team. Whether they work in HR, operations, or finance, they’re adding tech literacy to their toolkit to take on more responsibility and lead with confidence.
“I wanted to be the strongest candidate for the team lead position that opened up. I enrolled in a data visualization course and started experimenting with tools like Power BI. Before long, I was building dashboards, automating reports, and helping my team make smarter decisions. Now, I’m training others and I’m in line for a senior management role. – Sam L., Toronto
4. Employees in AI-Transformed Roles
Some roles aren’t being replaced by AI but they’re definitely evolving. With AI automating the boring bits, their roles are becoming more strategic. That means learning how to use the tools, prompt them, interpret results, and make better decisions. These AI training upskillers are adapting in real time.
“AI didn’t kill my job, it leveled it up. At first, I was scared it would replace me because so many of my coding tasks started getting automated. But then I started using tools like GitHub Copilot and Tabnine to speed up my work and improve my code quality. Now I focus on architecture and problem-solving, and I feel more secure in my role.” – Georgia V., Athens
5. Employees Sent by Their Employer
Smart companies don’t want to lose good people. They want to grow them. These employees are offered seats in upskilling courses because management sees their potential. It’s not about immediate ROI but rather about long-term talent development. These upskillers feel valued, motivated, and ready to take on new challenges within the same organization. Sometimes they need to commit to stay with the company for a certain period after the upskilling course.
“My company needed someone with automation skills, and they chose me to upskill. I enrolled in a tech bootcamp, learned the tools, and quickly started applying them to real projects. I felt genuinely valued and I even signed an addendum to stay with the company for another year. It’s rewarding to know they’re investing in me because they see my potential.” – Daniel M., Munich
These profiles aren’t mutually exclusive. Many upskillers are driven by a mix of ambition, necessity, and opportunity. One thing’s clear: in 2025, upskilling in tech is for everyone who wants to stay ahead.
Wawiwa’s Upskilling Approach
Wawiwa is a global tech education provider, offering AI-proof reskilling programs and upskilling courses tailored to the latest industry trends.
For professionals already in the field, we offer digital upskilling courses in AI, Software Development, Data Analysis, and Cybersecurity.
These courses are designed to equip employees with cutting-edge skills that meet the growing needs of the tech market. Companies can add these upskilling courses into their workforce development plans, helping their teams stay ahead of industry advancements and increasing their overall competitiveness. By partnering with Wawiwa, businesses can ensure their employees are equipped with the tools and knowledge to excel in their fields.
