New research by employment agency Robert Half reveals there are critical skills gaps facing technology leaders and professionals when it comes to artificial intelligence.

While many companies look to add A-I to their operations, not every current employee or new recruit has the necessary skills to help them do so.

Sandra Lavoy, a Regional Director with the company in Ottawa, tells us what employers are finding.

“79 percent of tech leaders today are indicating that they plan to implement initiatives involving AI this year and 47 percent cite lack of these skills and that’s the biggest barrier to success when we don’t have the skills in the organization to move our company forward.”

Lavoy says employers and employees must embrace upskilling - or upgrading tech skills - to stay competitive.

She said employers often provide reimbursement to employees who successfully  complete courses.   She added it is better to retain experienced employees with their historical knowledge of the company than to try and recruit new employees in the current market.

For more on upskilling, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.