Nearly a quarter of the workforce (24%) has quit their jobs due to the lack of development opportunities.
Randstad Singapore has released further data from its 2025 Workmonitor survey, covering 750 locally-based employees and job seekers. The study found a significant gap between employees’ desire for training in technical skills, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), and employers’ ability to meet these needs.
Three in four respondents consider training and development a key factor when making job choices. However, only 39% reported an increase in training opportunities over the past six months, and a further 28% believe that their employer isn’t helping them to develop practical, future-proof skills.
David Blasco, Country Director at Randstad Singapore, commented, “Investing in workforce development is a critical imperative for employers to stay competitive in the face of digital transformation. However, unmet expectations can lead to challenges as employees struggle to understand how their roles will evolve amid increasing digital disruptions. Through robust training, companies can foster a more productive and agile workforce, offer clarity on career futures, and attract top talent seeking guidance and support for their lifelong learning goals.”
AI skills gap widens: growing employee expectations for future-ready training
The survey found that Singaporean employees are demonstrating a strong preference for tech-focused upskilling:
- AI training (51%)
- IT and technological literacy (31%)
- Management and leadership skills (25%)
- Data science/analytics (21%)
- Data privacy and cybersecurity (20%)
Notably, there’s a significant generational divide in AI training interest, with 60% of Baby Boomers showing enthusiasm in developing their AI skills compared to 38% of Gen Z.
Beyond the differences in enthusiasm for AI training, 18% of employees share that they feel unprepared to use new technologies in their current roles. 17% don’t trust their employers to invest in workforce development and continuous learning opportunities, especially in AI and technology.
“The survey data underscores the need for employers to adopt age-inclusive learning strategies to ensure that nobody gets left behind in the pursuit of innovation and growth. There are also clear talent expectations for employers to provide both broad and personalised training to adapt to changing requirements,” shared Blasco.
Despite the trust gap, employees acknowledge that they share a responsibility with their employers (30% each) for training and upskilling in technology and AI.
“Some employers are cautious about investing in AI due to limited resources, concerns about data sharing, or waiting for more use cases before committing. However, employees are eager to learn how to use AI and will take the initiative to upskill to future-proof their careers. It has hence become necessary for employers to offer self-directed learning and provide updated training programmes that include AI to be more successful in attracting and retaining talent seeking growth and innovation,” concluded Blasco.
About the author
David Blasco is the Country Director at Randstad Singapore. With more than 11 years of recruitment experience, David specialises in senior-level hiring and executive search. At Randstad, Blasco leads a team of 30 recruiters across accounting & finance, sales & marketing, human resources, business support, and legal. His keen knowledge of the latest market intelligence and talent trends makes him an invaluable recruitment advisor to his clients, from start-ups to multinationals, on their talent needs.
