Building a Marketplace for Non-Technical AI Talent

As the founder of the AI Skills Academy, it’s part of my mission is to build a marketplace for non-technical AI talent, focusing on everything from training and upskilling to hiring. This vision isn’t just about equipping people with AI skills but about creating a platform that enables talent progression rather than talent displacement. The AI revolution doesn’t have to leave people behind — especially workers in non-technical roles who can thrive when given the right tools and opportunities.

Our marketplace for AI talent will cater specifically to non-technical workers, starting with in-work talent, particularly those in low-income roles. These workers often face limited career progression opportunities, but AI skills can unlock new paths for them. By integrating AI tools into their existing roles, we can help these employees take on more responsibility, work more efficiently, and ultimately progress in their careers. This focus on internal progression and upwards mobility ensures that AI serves as an enhancer of opportunity rather than a threat.

We will also support job seekers, providing AI skills training that prepares them for roles where AI tools can be used to complete tasks more efficiently. These are not just entry-level jobs but roles in customer service, marketing, and administration where AI can improve productivity without requiring deep technical knowledge.

The demand for AI skills is growing rapidly, and it’s not just for technical experts. According to McKinsey, the adoption of AI technologies could contribute as much as $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030. But while we often hear about the need for data scientists and engineers, non-technical AI roles are becoming just as crucial to business operations. From marketers leveraging AI for better audience targeting to customer service reps using AI chatbots to streamline interactions, there’s a growing need for workers who can deploy these tools effectively.

Focusing on non-technical AI talent means we’re tackling the challenges of upskilling the existing workforce, rather than replacing jobs outright. With AI, many tasks can be automated, but many others are being augmented, allowing workers to take on more complex and creative responsibilities. This shift is particularly important for industries like retail, customer service, and healthcare, where AI can enhance human roles without removing the need for people.

By concentrating on talent progression, we ensure that AI tools help workers move up the ladder rather than get displaced by automation. Internal upskilling is essential for enabling career mobility, particularly for those in low-income positions. Moreover, AI allows job seekers to enter roles where efficiency and productivity can be significantly improved. For example, a marketing assistant equipped with AI tools can manage data analytics more effectively, or a customer service representative can use AI chatbots to resolve queries faster.

In the coming years, the marketplace for non-technical AI talent will expand as businesses increasingly recognise the value of AI in augmenting non-technical roles. At AI Skills Academy, we’re at the forefront of this transformation, helping workers and employers alike tap into the opportunities that AI brings to the table.

If we want AI to truly benefit the global workforce, we must focus on providing accessible, practical AI skills that empower people to progress in their careers — rather than fear displacement.

The AI Skills Academy is a marketplace to train, upskill and hire AI powered workers. For more information, visit aiskills.academy