Most employees in Germany have not yet been offered training in handling artificial intelligence (AI) by their employers, a survey has found.
According to the survey by the digital association Bitkom, one-fifth of working individuals have already been trained in the use of AI on the job, but 70% have not received any offer for AI training.
In a further 6% of cases, there are relevant training opportunities, but they have not yet been utilized, the survey found.
For the representative study, 1,005 people aged 16 and over in Germany were surveyed on behalf of Bitkom.
Companies that do not offer AI training may potentially be violating applicable law: The European Union’s AI Act stipulates that all companies using AI must also ensure that the individuals involved possess a sufficient level of AI competence.
The group entitled to training includes not only the company’s own employees but also freelancers, temporary workers or service providers. The law has been in effect since February 2005.
Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst said that AI makes many tasks in the workplace simpler and more efficient.
“It is important to be able to use the tools correctly and to be aware of the possibilities and limitations of the technology, as well as data protection and data security,” Wintergerst said.
He also suggested that companies not yet using AI should consider offering relevant training, as many employees use private AI apps for work purposes.
The Bitkom survey also reveals that several working individuals believe AI could significantly change their working environment in the coming years.
Fourteen per cent even fear that AI could completely replace them in their jobs. One in three respondents, or 33%, believes that AI could replace their bosses.
Source: dpa
