A new YouGov survey shows that two-thirds of UK undergraduates are already using AI in their studies – a third do so weekly. For many, ChatGPT is becoming as natural a tool as Google.
The study also shows uncertainty – a quarter of students admit to using AI for graded work, yet many also say they feel it is “unacceptable.” In other words, students are not an outlier, they are a mirror to the wider world as we adapt to using AI skills.
The habits they form in education, both the opportunities and the risks, echo the same questions businesses are already facing.
There is often uncertainty about the extent AI can be used and how and when to declare it. At the same time, businesses want to maximise efficiencies from AI, so need people to be able to use it responsibly and creatively.
Ultimately, businesses need to be clear on their approach and protocols – inertia will prevent individuals acquiring the skills they need, and businesses reaping the benefits.
Another challenge for society and business is equity. Access to AI tools and training is uneven, both across education and in the workplace.
Without intervention, this could widen inequalities between those with the resources to experiment and those without. Businesses, especially large organisations, can play a vital role in democratising access and ensuring that AI skills are not confined to the privileged few.
Forging partnerships with academia and government can make a real difference. For example, collaborating on developing curricula, research projects, and training programs.
Such collaboration will not only spread opportunity but help businesses develop a pipeline of talent proficient in AI. We recently worked with Innovate UK to develop an AI skills hub that will hopefully kick start some of this collaboration in sectors such as logistics and the creative industries.
Almost half of students in the YouGov study already believe AI skills will be critical for their careers. They are right. But without guidance, shortcuts can become habits, and habits can become risks.
The opportunity is just as real as the risk. AI has the potential to accelerate innovation, widen access to expertise, and enable faster, better decisions. The challenge is making sure this potential is realised responsibly.
The technology itself is evolving at speed, with new capabilities emerging almost monthly. What feels like “responsible use” today may be insufficient tomorrow. That means AI upskilling and governance cannot be one-off initiatives.
That is why we need to reframe the conversation that AI is not a shortcut, it is a skill. It will be normal in job descriptions to include it alongside proficiency in other programs such as Excel or PowerPoint.
I believe business has a vital role to play. AI should be a partner, not a crutch. Shaping that reality will take collective effort across academia, government and employers together.
Umang Paw is the chief technology officer of PwC UK.
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