(BPT) - Key Takeaways:
- Workers must invest in lifelong learning and upskilling to remain employable in five years.
- AI skills are one of the most valuable skills for workers in 2026 and beyond. However, many workers are left to learn these skills without guidance.
- DeVry University offers entry-level and leadership employees eight AI courses to build their AI skills with the help of real-time agentic AI learning coaches.
Long-term job security doesn't happen by accident. Lifelong learning and continuous improvement of workforce readiness skills are necessary for employees to secure and retain roles in the modern workplace.
According to DeVry University's report, "Bridging the Gap: Overcoming a Silent Standoff in America's Talent Economy," employers shared that - on average - 55% of their workforce needs to upskill significantly to remain employable in five years. Additionally, 63% of employers said they skipped workers for promotions because their skills were outdated.
57% of workers say the skilled use of AI will be the most valuable skill to have in tomorrow's economy.
The good news is that workers have taken note and are seeking opportunities to hone existing skills as well as learn new ones to adapt to their organization's shifting needs. One area of upskilling that employees in virtually every field are interested in pursuing is AI.
DeVry's report revealed that 57% of workers say the skilled use of AI will be the most valuable skill to have in tomorrow's economy, ranking it the second most valuable out of 13 skills. By learning how to use generative AI and building on that knowledge to explore agentic AI, workers can transform their work and stay ahead of the competition in 2026 and beyond.
The difference between generative and agentic AI
You're likely already familiar with gen AI, which focuses on creating content based on learned patterns. Agentic AI takes it a step further, blending automation capability and gen AI to complete complex tasks.
For example, gen AI can tell you the best time to visit Amsterdam and help you find transportation, lodging and activities. An AI "agent," on the other hand, goes further by identifying the best time to visit based on travel patterns and your schedule, as well as booking your flights, hotels and tourist experiences.
Just because agentic AI can now operate in the background autonomously doesn't mean that workers should panic about job security. According to the EY Agentic AI Workplace Survey, workers overwhelmingly expect positive impacts on productivity, efficiency and their work experience.
That said, the survey also found that many are left to experiment with the technology on their own. Luckily, an online learning platform offers accessible learning modules that allow employees to learn and sharpen their AI skills for long-term job security.
Courses that equip employees with the latest AI skills
In 2025 - to address the need for upskilling for long-term career success - DeVry University launched DeVryPro. This innovative learning platform, built in collaboration with industry leaders and DeVry faculty members, covers essential disciplines, including AI.
"AI has matured well beyond theoretical applications," said Richard Korczyk, chief experience officer at DeVry University. Since 2009, he has held various leadership positions at the institution, including vice president of operations and innovation, where he witnessed firsthand the rapid acceleration of technology. "Many industries are mainstreaming this technology, and workers need to know how to learn, work and lead with AI as a partner, not a rival."
Workers need to know how to learn, work and lead with AI as a partner, not a rival.
In response to the rising need for AI skills for work readiness, the university is embedding AI literacy and skill-building into every course by the end of 2026. This initiative expands access for all students to develop the technical proficiency and applied fluency needed to succeed in an AI-augmented workforce. And DeVryPro is a key component of the university's broader AI strategy.
DeVryPro now offers courses that equip workers with the knowledge they need to thrive in an AI-driven job market. The courses listed below on gen and agentic AI are guided by real-time AI learning coaches in a flexible format so students can learn on their own terms.
AI for All: Build Practical Real-World AI Skills: Designed for professionals who are curious about AI, this course introduces the fundamentals so learners can use AI tools in their daily tasks like emails, reports and workflows.
Applied AI: Generative AI for Professionals: This intermediate course is tailored for professionals already experimenting with AI. Learners will discover how to automate daily tasks, develop applications and use AI tools to enhance productivity and creativity.
Data to Decisions: AI Essentials for Analysts: Business analysts will learn how to use custom solutions to improve data accessibility and cleanliness, automate processing, streamline workflows and enhance visual reports.
AI for Leaders: Innovate and Elevate: Equips leaders to guide their organizations and teams through AI-driven change and its impact on business, as well as effective implementation of AI solutions to maximize organizational success.
AI for Entrepreneurs: Aspiring and early-stage founders will learn how to use integrated AI tools for ideation, validation, prototyping and business scaling. By the end of the course, participants will build an AI-enhanced startup plan they can share with mentors, investors or collaborators.
Foundations of Self-Leadership: This course is the first step in the DeVryPro's leadership pathway, equipping emerging leaders to build the essential mindset and durable skills required to lead with confidence, adaptability and purpose.
Leading Teams and Driving Impact: As the next step in DeVryPro's leadership pathway, this course bridges personal effectiveness with organizational performance and strategic alignment to build high-performing teams.
Product Management Fundamentals: The course introduces learners to the principles, tools and strategies that guide the full product lifecycle so they can make data-informed decisions, collaborate across functions and translate business objectives into customer-centered products.
Together, these courses form a cohesive learning ecosystem that supports employee growth at every stage - from entry-level roles to leadership - to help them thrive in an AI-driven workforce. Once they complete a course, learners can earn a verifiable Certificate of Completion and Badge. These documents recognize their competencies and showcase an employee's AI skills, opening doors to career growth opportunities in credential-driven markets.
"Our courses aren't just about building knowledge," added Korczyk. "We've carefully developed learning experiences that prepare learners to apply leadership and AI skills in the context of their careers so they can feel confident about keeping pace in an ever-evolving professional landscape."
Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, and those who understand it are leading the way. To explore what is possible in 2026 and beyond, visit DeVryPro.com.
