We have partnered with Adzuna, the leading job search platform, to explore the soaring demand for data and tech expertise in the UK and outline a sustainable strategy for employers to meet this crucial talent challenge.
The data-driven world of work
The global economy is undergoing a rapid, data-centric transformation, and the UK job market is reflecting this seismic shift. The demand for professionals skilled in analysis, technology, and especially artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating at an unprecedented pace.
Adzuna Intelligence data reveals that job postings requiring AI or machine learning (ML) skills have increased by a significant 28% compared with six months ago, making it the fifth fastest-growing skills group out of over 400 tracked. "IT jobs" also ranks as the fifth largest sector by the sheer number of unique job postings over the last six months, underscoring the scale of this technological shift.
This increased demand is being matched with higher salaries. The median salary for the approximately 70,000 jobs that include at least one "AI and ML" skill is £44,873, marking a premium of approximately 25% over the UK median salary.
The gap between demand and supply
The need for data literacy is no longer confined to specialist IT or data scientist roles. Adzuna’s job market analysis shows this demand now spans every business function, from finance and HR to marketing and logistics, creating a widespread need for foundational data competence.
Even for tools considered essential for general data literacy, such as Microsoft Excel, demand remains strong, with the median salary increasing by 5.9% year-on-year (YoY).
Top employers hiring for Microsoft Excel roles
Source: Adzuna Intelligence
Top job sectors requesting Microsoft Excel skills
Source: Adzuna Intelligence
These figures clearly demonstrate that data literacy is a widespread requirement. In addition, Adzuna's intelligence highlights specific regional hotspots of demand:
Geographic demand hotspots
Excel as a skills requirement (FIGURE 1)
Source: Adzuna Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI )and machine learning (ML) (FIGURE 2)
Source: Adzuna Intelligence
Adzuna’s analysis of the top skills groups over the last six months reveals that data science, data management, data storage, and data visualisation all represent four of the top 11 skills groups, excluding the broad 'Information Technology' category. This shows that the market is searching for specific data proficiency.
Why businesses struggle to upskill
With such a big skills gap, many businesses find it hard to catch up using traditional approaches. Between the high price of outside training, the risk of losing newly trained staff, and the relentless speed of tech change, in-house development can feel like an endless race.
Therefore, structured, accredited training becomes essential. At Kaplan, we help employers cut through the complexity with flexible, future-focused training programmes that are directly integrated into the business goals. By developing in-house training, employers can build the skills they really need while boosting loyalty and ensuring relevance.
Kaplan offers targeted training solutions to address key areas of data and tech need, including:
Apprenticeships as an answer
Apprenticeships stand out as the most strategic and sustainable solution for developing a robust data-skilled workforce. They offer a mechanism to upskill existing staff or recruit new talent in a cost-effective, long-term framework.
Adzuna data reinforces the growing importance of apprenticeships in closing the skills gap:
- Over the last 12 months, there has been a 39% YoY increase in Level 2 Apprenticeships requiring AI and ML skills.
- This growth is even more pronounced at higher levels, with a 230% YoY increase in Level 3 Apprenticeship jobs that have AI and ML skills.
The demand growth for AI/ML skills in apprenticeships is clearly visible:
Demand for data-specific skills in Level 2 apprenticeships is also rising, with a 17% YoY increase in roles requiring data management skills and a 17% YoY increase for data visualisation skills.
These figures show how employers are increasingly leveraging apprenticeships to pipeline talent in complex, high-demand areas. Kaplan’s range of Data and Technology apprenticeships provides the accredited, industry-relevant pathways necessary for businesses to invest confidently in their future workforce.
Looking ahead
At Kaplan, we’ve seen data become part of every corner of business - it’s not a passing trend, it’s the way things work now. Looking ahead, we expect demand for specialised data skills to keep growing, especially in areas that drive technology adoption, like programming frameworks.
The volume of demand for highly specific data competencies is shown below.
Top skills group (excluding IT) over six months
Employers who act now will gain a clear competitive advantage. The first step is utilising real-time job market intelligence, like insights from Adzuna Intelligence, to understand which skills are gaining traction. The next is putting structured training and development frameworks in place, such as Kaplan’s data and technology programmes, to build the talent needed to meet that demand.
At Kaplan, we believe that to thrive in the future, businesses must treat skills development as a strategic investment, informed by data and delivered through world-class training.
Transform your workforce
For more information on our apprenticeship programmes, in-house training, or how we can support your organisation’s digital transformation journey, get in touch with our team.