Pearson and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have released new global research highlighting misalignment between higher education and employers that is slowing progress in building an AI-ready workforce.
The report, AI Readiness: Building the Bridge from Higher Education to Work, draws on more than 2,700 survey responses from learners, higher education leaders and employers across the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Malaysia, supported by in-depth interviews with education leaders.
Key findings include:
- 53% of employers say their primary challenge is finding graduates with the right AI skills
- 78% of higher education leaders believe they are meeting employer expectations
- 14% of current graduates report a high level of proficiency in applying AI tools to professional workflows
The findings come as artificial intelligence reshapes entry-level roles and reduces the lifespan of skills. While AI adoption is accelerating, readiness is breaking down at the point where learning must translate into applied workplace capability.
Kim Majerus, Vice President of Global Education and U.S. State and Local Government at AWS, said: “This AI readiness research with Pearson reveals that our primary opportunity is to help translate AI tool engagement into real workplace capability. AWS is committed to working alongside our education partners to ensure every learner develops AI literacy, in addition to the judgment, adaptability and hands-on experience employers need.”
Tom ap Simon, President of Higher Education and Virtual Learning at Pearson, said: “It is clear that basic AI literacy is no longer enough. Schools that lead in AI readiness today will shape the future of workforce readiness tomorrow. Building an AI-ready workforce depends on structured, shared systems that amplify human skills and connect curriculum to real work. Pearson and AWS are working together to bridge the gap between higher education and employers and help prepare the workforce of tomorrow.”
The report introduces the AI Readiness Friction Framework, identifying six key barriers across the education-to-work pathway:
- Pace friction between rapid workplace change and slower curriculum cycles
- Connection friction between education and employer feedback loops
- Capability friction due to uneven instructor AI skills
- Governance friction from lack of clear guidance on responsible AI use
- Experience friction between access to tools and practical application
- Skills friction between graduate capabilities and employer expectations
By combining Pearson’s expertise in education and workforce skills with AWS’s experience in AI deployment and governance, the report provides a framework to help institutions and employers align on AI readiness and accelerate workforce development.
