QA, a leading technology training specialist, has revealed the key AI skills that will define business success in 2026. This insight was provided by Dr. Vicky Crockett, Portfolio Director of Artificial Intelligence.
As companies prepare to move from AI experimentation to large-scale adoption, QA insights highlight critical skills leaders need to invest in. This includes a move towards deeper technology adoption and a focus on practical, human-centric capabilities.
Dr. Vicki Crockett says, “AI transformation is no longer an option, it's now a competitive edge. By 2026, AI will become the primary interface to all other software. As this trend continues, more individuals will need to have basic AI literacy skills and technology teams will need to be equipped to manage and train AI systems at scale.”
According to QA, the next stage of AI maturity will be determined by how effectively people interact with AI, not the technology itself. This includes employees at all levels, from frontline employees to senior leaders and technical teams.
QA insights also provide an overview of the most in-demand AI skills across different teams. These include:
– Prompting Engineering – The ability to prompt effectively becomes essential for all employees.
– Critical and creative thinking with AI – AI can save you time, but it’s important to learn how to check and edit the quality of your output.
– Data awareness – It is every employee’s responsibility to understand how to use AI safely and reliably.
QA emphasizes to leaders the need for skills such as strategic AI adoption, change management, and ROI analysis. Meanwhile, technical teams need to focus on building complex agent AI systems, integrating apps within LLM, and advanced prompts.
In 2026, in addition to technical skills, companies will also need to pay attention to AI governance and compliance. QA emphasizes the importance of building an AI governance structure and providing training to leadership, governance, and security teams. We also recommend requiring AI literacy training for all staff to ensure they understand how to handle AI within their organization's policies.
QA's message is clear. AI will not replace jobs, but it will fundamentally change the way work is done. Organizations that invest in the right AI skills early will be in a better position to improve productivity, manage risk, and build trust in AI-powered decision-making.
QA offers a variety of customized programs, including apprenticeship, instructor-led, and self-paced learning, for those looking to further their progress. With our deep expertise, industry-leading learning modalities, and proven track record as a trusted best-in-class provider, QA is your go-to partner for technology upskilling and reskilling.
For more information, visit our QA website and read Dr. Vicky Crockett's Most In-demand AI Skills in 2026 and AI Predictions for the Year Ahead.
*Terms and conditions apply.
About QA
QA is Europe's leading AI technology and digital training partner and the fastest growing company in the United States.
Their mission is to teach the critical AI, technology, digital, and human skills needed to transform and succeed in a changing world.
With over 4,000 organizations relying on our customized programs, QA offers a variety of hands-on, instructor-led, and self-paced learning. The company's expertise, industry-leading learning methods and bespoke customization make it the go-to partner for technology upskilling and reskilling.
contact:
press@qa.com
