Most British Columbians using AI at work lack training, survey finds

Despite artificial intelligence becoming more common in the workplace, many workers still lack the training needed to use it, says survey.

VANCOUVER — A new survey suggests many British Columbians are using artificial intelligence in the workplace without proper training or knowledge of how to use it effectively.

The survey, conducted by Angus Reid for Growclass, an online education company that offers digital skills training, found 39 per cent of B.C. respondents reported using AI tools at work. Only 11 per cent said they had received formal training.

“There are a lot of folks that are playing with technology they don’t necessarily have the training for or understand,” said Sarah Stockdale, CEO of Growclass.

She warned that without training and clear guidelines, employees could misuse AI tools.“If folks aren’t given guardrails and training and an understanding of how the tools are trained, and what ethical use looks like for that company, things could go off the rails,” she said.

The poll also found strong expectations for employers to play a bigger role. Forty-two per cent of British Columbians said companies should be primarily responsible for providing AI training, while 62 per cent said they would participate if their employer offered it. At the same time, 27 per cent expressed concern about being replaced by AI within the next five years.

The Vancouver Board of Trade says B.C. is lagging behind other provinces when it comes to adopting AI. It argues small and medium-sized businesses need financial help to access the technology.

“When we look at what type of need there is for AI, SME’s are the ones that need the most support… which makes sense because they have limited resources,” said board president Bridgitte Anderson.

In a recent report, the board estimated AI adoption could save workers more than 100 hours a year and significantly boost productivity, but found most small businesses have yet to implement the technology. The report calls for more government support, clearer rules, and expanded training programs.

Stockdale said employers need to understand AI before companies can take advantage of its benefits.“Employers actually have to be trained, they have to understand the tools, and they have to understand the capabilities of them to set guardrails, both around their values and around potential security risks,” she said.

Her company is now offering a six-week program for marketing professionals to effectively and ethically incorporate AI into their work.

The survey was conducted online from Aug. 6 to 11 among a representative sample of 1,012 adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The company said a probability sample of that size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.