“Will Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) take my job?” It’s a question echoing across industries, roles and regions. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the workforce, employees are searching for clarity and security. But what are employers saying in response? 

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 84 percent of employers in Latin America and the Caribbean plan to upskill their workforce in response to digital transformation. In particular, skills in AI, Big Data and Sustainability are considered vital for the decade ahead. This signals a significant shift in how organisations are preparing for the future, but the reality on the ground is more complex. 

The need for transformation is clear, yet progress remains uneven. Major barriers include outdated regulatory frameworks and rigid organisational cultures, factors that continue to pose significant challenges to digital transformation across Latin America. Some countries, such as Argentina, face even greater hurdles. Despite being home to several unicorns and boasting a reputation for innovation, “the country has gradually fallen behind in many areas, especially in terms of technology,” a former government official noted. Budget cuts and limited infrastructure investment are exacerbating the gap. 

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as an accelerator rather than a temporary disruption. “It was as a catalyst for the development of new tools, new learning systems, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and many other technologies that we now encounter on a daily basis,” remarked an industry consultant. However, “we’re still going through the post-pandemic phase, where companies are trying to get a clearer understanding of what it all means and what the future will look like.” 

In this context, education, particularly digital education, is emerging as a critical solution. Private sector players, especially EdTech companies and global providers like Pearson, are stepping in to support companies that lack the internal capacity to train staff. They are helping businesses reimagine their talent strategies with an emphasis on productivity, competitiveness and long-term innovation. “EdTechs can play a crucial role,” stated the former government official. “Today, it is no longer enough to simply transmit knowledge. The priority must be teaching individuals how to adapt to changing environments.” 

“Today, it is no longer enough to simply transmit knowledge. The priority must be teaching individuals how to adapt to changing environments.”

Former government official, Argentina

Indeed, across the region, EdTech is gaining ground. In Argentina, firms like Kydemy are entering the market despite the country’s economic struggles. In Colombia, platforms such as Platzi, Kuepa and Codenotch are working with companies to close the skills gap. Colombia’s Sistema de Educación y Capacitación en Tecnología del Ministerio de las TIC (“SENATIC”) Programme, supported by government and international partners, aims to train over 300,000 people in digital economy skills like programming and AI. These efforts point to the power of public-private partnerships in shaping workforce resilience. 

In Colombia and across Latin America, the dual pressures of the digital and climate revolutions are prompting companies to adopt more adaptive strategies. “Many are turning to reskilling and upskilling in areas such as programming, data analysis, cybersecurity and cloud computing,” confirmed the consultant. Some companies, such as Bancolombia and Grupo Aval, are investing in corporate academies and e-learning platforms. Others are embracing AI at the core of operations, like MercadoLibre, where artificial intelligence is considered essential not only for current operations but also for long-term growth. 

However, challenges persist. Access to technology and quality education remains uneven, especially in rural areas. “A significant portion of the population lacks access to higher education.” The former official continued, “Education is one of the ‘easiest’ areas to cut during economic downturns.” This limits opportunities for many workers and poses serious questions about how to scale training in an inclusive way. 

“Education is one of the ‘easiest’ areas to cut during economic downturns.”

Former government official, Argentina

That’s why flexibility in learning models is gaining traction. Micro-credentials, personalised learning pathways and internal skill-matching platforms are being adopted to make training more efficient and accessible. Communities of practice and inter-company training programmes are also helping sectors like technology and energy co-develop solutions that are industry-wide, not just company-specific. 

Amid these developments, education is becoming more than just a business imperative, but a tool for social inclusion and long-term resilience. “Employability today is not something one learns in preparation for a role, but something one develops throughout it,” attested the consultant. To that end, education providers must go beyond content delivery. They must collaborate with companies to co-create curricula aligned with emerging skill demands, while working with governments to ensure inclusion of vulnerable groups. 

Ultimately, building a future-ready workforce in Latin America requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Employers must invest in their people. Governments must modernise regulation and infrastructure, while education providers must bridge the gap between current capabilities and tomorrow’s demands.