AI Opportunities: Why Upskilling Your Team Beats Outsourcing
- Chris Howell
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
When considering the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), many small businesses and organisations quickly assume outsourcing to specialists is the best path forward. While outsourcing might offer short-term convenience, significant long-term value lies in the upskilling of your existing team.
Debunking AI Myths
A common misconception about AI is that it requires hiring expensive external consultants or specialists. Fortunately, neither assumption holds true. With targeted, practical training, your current employees can swiftly acquire the necessary skills to effectively integrate and utilise AI tools.
Empower Your Team Internally
Internal training empowers your team by blending new AI capabilities with their existing, in-depth business knowledge. Employees who grasp both AI and your operational context can innovate more effectively, solve problems swiftly, and continuously enhance your processes in ways external specialists might not fully appreciate.
The Hidden Costs of Outsourcing
Although outsourcing might seem like the easier option initially, it can create long-term challenges. Relying heavily on external providers can reduce your organisation’s agility and slow your ability to adapt to change. Moreover, outsourcing risks disconnecting your AI initiatives from your strategic business goals, limiting overall effectiveness.
Invest in Organisational Agility
Conversely, investing in internal training fosters organisational agility, enabling your team to adapt responsively to industry challenges and opportunities. Employees who have opportunities to learn and develop are typically more engaged, satisfied, and loyal, significantly improving talent retention and reducing turnover.
Starting Small, Thinking Big
Getting started with AI doesn't need to feel overwhelming. Begin by identifying manageable, practical projects for initial AI implementation—such as automating routine reporting, streamlining customer support, or enhancing data analysis tasks. Accessible training resources, including short courses and practical certifications, can swiftly equip your team with essential AI competencies without demanding significant time or budget commitments.
Create an Innovative, Learning-Driven Culture
Internal AI upskilling also nurtures a cohesive and integrated approach to AI adoption. Staff trained internally often become powerful advocates for AI-driven changes, encouraging their colleagues to embrace innovation. This fosters a vibrant culture of continuous learning, improvement, and collaboration across your organisation.
Attract and Retain Top Talent
Moreover, providing opportunities for upskilling helps your organisation attract and retain top talent. Employees increasingly value professional growth and skills development, making them more motivated, productive, and committed to your organisation.
How Mercia AI Can Help
Mercia AI is dedicated to supporting your upskilling journey. We offer customised training programmes specifically tailored to your unique business needs, providing practical, accessible, and affordable AI training sessions. Our approach combines clear, actionable guidance with tailored courses and resources, enabling your team to confidently apply AI skills directly within your business context.
By partnering with Mercia AI for your internal training, you'll have a committed partner supporting your team's ongoing development. We help you maintain complete control over your AI journey, empowering your workforce to drive continuous innovation.
Invest in your team and their skills to build a resilient, innovative, and agile organisation, fully prepared to thrive in an AI-driven future.
