First and foremost:
AI skills gap in the German economy is only slowly closing
Although more than half of German companies are already using generative AI in their day-to-day operations, the systematic qualification of employees is lagging significantly behind. While the number of AI training courses has more than doubled since 2024, the majority of companies still lack a strategic anchoring of further training.
Key Facts:
- Doubling of training: 27 % of companies are already training in AI.
- High usage rate: 56% of businesses are already actively using AI tools such as ChatGPT or Gemini.
- Steep gradient: Almost 50 % of large companies are already training, small businesses are significantly below that.
- Strategic deficit: For 87 %, further training is important, but only 29 % have strategically anchored it.
- TÜV Association's demand: Massive investment in digital skills and practical political frameworks are necessary.
Increasing AI training in companies
According to the press release, continuing education in the field of artificial intelligence is increasing significantly in the German economy. According to the TÜV Association, 27 percent of companies have now trained their employees in the use of AI, more than double the figure from 2024.
Just under 9 percent are planning concrete measures, while 17 percent are currently still assessing the need. Particularly large companies are active: almost half of businesses with 250 or more employees have already conducted training. The proportion is significantly lower in smaller companies.
AI use is rising faster than training
According to the press release, the use of AI tools is already more widespread than corresponding training. More than half of the companies are said to be using generative AI applications such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot in their day-to-day operations, according to the study.
At the same time, a gap in skills development is becoming apparent: the TÜV Association emphasises that dealing with AI is already a daily reality in many companies, but systematic training is not keeping pace.
Further training important, but rarely strategically anchored
Despite economic challenges, further training remains important for the majority of companies, according to the TÜV Association. Nevertheless, it is only strategically anchored in the company in 29 percent of cases.
Furthermore, many companies tend to invest only a limited amount of time and budget in further training. At the same time, the TÜV Association demands that companies invest more in AI and digital skills and plan further training more systematically. According to the study, politics should also support skills development through better and practically oriented framework conditions.
The TÜV Association at a glance
The TÜV Association e.V. is a German trade association that represents the political positions of the TÜV inspection organisations. According to its own statements, it also promotes the professional exchange between its members.
The association is particularly committed to technical and digital security, as well as sustainability in vehicles, products, systems, and services. Its work is based on independent audits, universally applicable standards, and qualified further training. The aim is to ensure safety, strengthen trust in digital technologies, and contribute to sustainable development.
Source: TÜV Association Press Release – AI Training in Companies Doubled Within Two Years