Report also shows AI, ESG trends influencing in-demand skills
Language skills are in demand with professionals this year, as the TOEIC Test emerged as the leading choice for skills enhancement in the first quarter of 2024.
Udemy's Q1 2024 Global Workplace Learning Index revealed that the TOEIC Test accounted for 38% of professional skill learning area.
This comes as many multinational organisations use English as the primary language among the workforce, with many requiring a certain standard level or grade on an English language exam.
The learning platform's latest report based its findings on courses taken by business customers, representing 16,000 companies from various industries.
Interest in AI, sustainability programmes
Another interesting trend that Udemy picked up is the continued interest in supply chain courses, which saw a 29% increase in the first quarter. According to the report, sustainability within supply chains and ESG-related topics topped the list of in-demand professional skills.
Courses on generative AI also continued to be a trending topic, Udemy revealed, which saw a 21% increase in consumption in Q1.
There are also users investing in AI deep learning (22%).
Aligning with major trends
The findings are in line with major trends happening across the world, particularly on sustainability and AI transformation. Various reports have predicted that upskilling and reskilling to refocus on AI skills will be a trend among workplaces this year.
Rising interest and regulations in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) are also driving employees to look into sustainability skills.
The findings come as more organisations also transition to skills-based approach in their workforce, according to Greg Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer at Udemy.
"As organisations prepare to address changing ESG requirements while building cross-continental teams and keeping up with the pace of AI adoption, they must invest in the right learning tools so their workforce can develop the skills needed to get ahead," Brown said in a statement.
