Coursera’s 2025 Global Skills Report highlights a future defined by rapid technological advancements and unprecedented changes to the labor market. According to their insights, by 2030, an estimated 92 million jobs will be displaced, and 170 million new roles will be created.  

Exciting? Of course. But there’s a catch.  

Those new opportunities will demand skills most professionals aren’t currently equipped with. In some cases, they might require skills today’s workers haven’t even heard of or thought about developing. So… are you ready to evolve, or are you at risk of being left behind?  

This blog unpacks the quiet costs of not upskilling in the workplace. You’ll learn about the global skills landscape, the challenges specific to the high-growth markets in North America, and how investing in skill-based education can secure your place in the future of work.

 

The Global Skills Landscape in 2025

According to Coursera, the demand for skills like we mentioned are skyrocketing. Enrollments in generative AI courses alone have surged by 195% year-over-year, surpassing 8 million enrollments globally.  

And employers are paying attention. A staggering 94% of hiring managers say they would prioritize candidates with GenAI certifications, sometimes over more experienced professionals who lack these credentials. Anyone with their eyes on the future of work can see what building a strong team looks like going forward. 

Beyond AI, the need for cybersecurity professionals remains acute, with nearly 5 million additional experts required globally. The data isn’t up for debate. Skill gaps are not only a barrier to individual career growth but also a direct threat to business competitiveness.

 

What’s happening in North America?

Given the often-aggressive growth goals among companies that have invested heavily in innovation, North America places as a global leader in workforce evolution. And, with that, North America also has started to emerge as a leader in AI adoption, with investments in GenAI soaring. Here are the key findings for this continent, straight from the Coursera report:

  • The United States ranks #4 globally on the AI Maturity Index and has seen GenAI course enrollments rise by 135% year-over-year.  
  • AI and machine learning specialist roles in the US have grown by 142% annually, far exceeding global averages.  
  • Canadian companies aren’t far behind, with 97% anticipating AI-driven transformation in their organizations.  
  • Skill-based hiring is near-universal, with 99% of employers in North America adopting or exploring this approach.

 

Despite this promising progress, it’s clear that businesses and professionals in North America cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Technology is evolving faster than teams can adapt, leaving critical gaps in both capabilities and security.

 

The personal risk of not upskilling

If you’re not actively building your skill set, you risk being left behind in a fast-changing job market. Every signal points toward the world moving in this direction.  
According to Coursera, AI and data-related roles will dominate the future workforce. Employers are vocal about their priorities, with 85% planning to upskill their workforce to keep pace with shifting demands. When employers start prioritizing individuals who can wield GenAI and handle data science, those who lack these skills will inevitably fall behind in hiring, promotions, and salary growth. 


Holding onto your current skills without learning new ones could make you the weakest link in the chain. And nowhere is this more critical than in sectors like cybersecurity, where malicious actors constantly evolve techniques, leaving unprepared teams vulnerable.

 

To future-proof your career, you’ll need to consistently evolve. By earning credentials and engaging in continuous, skill-based learning, you can transition from passive observer to active leader in your organization.

 

The organizational risk of not investing in skills

For business leaders, the stakes are probably even higher. Your company’s ability to compete hinges on the strength of your team’s skills, and your company’s ability to survive an evolving landscape depends on your team’s ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and challenges.

 

Two-thirds of employers see skill shortages as a major barrier to growth, and Coursera reports that modern roles across industries require entirely new competencies. Without AI, cybersecurity, and advanced data analysis skills, you’re leaving vulnerabilities in your processes, systems, and strategies.

 

Here’s what’s at risk if you don’t invest in upskilling your team:

  • Security breaches: Lack of cybersecurity training leaves your business exposed to increasingly sophisticated attacks. And not having a team that can recognize modern phishing scams and spot anomalies will cost you. 
  • Productivity lags: Outdated skills make workflows inefficient, cutting into profitability and team morale. Frustrating repetitive tasks reduce team satisfaction and increase opportunities for mistakes.  
  • Strategic loss: Providing your team with the skills needed to automate and optimize their work allows them more time and head space to perform strategic functions that improve overall performance and add to their job satisfaction. 
  • Loss of competitive edge: Firms leveraging AI can pivot faster, innovate quicker, and gain customer loyalty that’s difficult to recover once lost – especially in B2B or partner relationships. 
  • Talent shortages: Companies that don’t invest in the skills of their workforce – or even demonstrate a desire to modernize their operations – risk not being able to compete for the best talent on the market and may lose their best performers to competitors.

 

The cost of doing nothing can be unrecoverable. But the solution lies in data-backed decision-making. Prioritize micro-credentials, online training, and skill-based education to close capability gaps and keep your business moving forward.

 

Nexford University’s vision for skill-based education

At Nexford University, we believe learning is the most powerful tool for shaping the future of work. That’s why our programs are designed to deliver workplace-relevant education, equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

 

Here’s how we stand out as a leader in skill-based education:

  • Real-world relevance: Our competency-based model ensures every course aligns with the demands of top employers.  
  • Global accessibility: Nexford makes affordable, high-quality education available to learners worldwide, and in learning formats that enable them to learn skills that work all around the globe. 
  • Tangible career outcomes: In 2024, 81% of our alumni reported a salary increase after graduating, and 80% received promotions within 18 months. Both of which were improvements over the prior year. That’s a trend we expect to keep growing.

 

By focusing on practical skills instead of outdated models, Nexford empowers both individuals and organizations to meet the challenges of tomorrow confidently.

 

Take the first step toward the future

The future of work demands constant adaptability. Whether you’re an individual looking to secure your career or a business leader wanting to future-proof your teams, the time to act is now.

 

(You know those GenAI courses Coursera mentioned in their report? You can find them with us. And you’ll find AI infused into every course you’ll take at Nexford.)

 

At Nexford University, we’re ready to help you close the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Explore how our programs can help you succeed in the era of AI and beyond.

 

Fill out an application today and start building the skills that will define your future.