Three Trends Shaping Learning and Development in the Tech Industry for 2025

The technology industry thrives on innovation, yet a widening skills gap threatens to stall its progress. By 2026, a staggering 90% of organizations will feel the impact of this shortage, fueled by the rise of transformative technologies like generative AI (GenAI) and the ever-increasing demand for specialized technical expertise. But technical mastery is only part of the equation. In today's rapidly evolving workplace, essential human skills like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving are equally vital for success.

Coursera's Industry Skills Brief 2025 provides a data-driven roadmap to help your technology organization navigate this complex skills landscape. Drawing on insights from over 324,000 tech professionals on Coursera, the report unveils critical trends in GenAI adoption, highlights the most in-demand skills and roles, and offers targeted content recommendations to empower your workforce for the future.

Join Coursera leaders Jeremy York, Senior Content Strategy Taxonomy & Innovation Manager, and Nitish Thappa, Manager, Tech & Data Content, as they unpack findings from this report.

Three significant trends shaping skills development in technology for 2025

1) GenAI’s rise in popularity

A seismic shift is underway in the technology industry, and it's driven by the transformative power of GenAI. No longer a futuristic concept, GenAI is rapidly becoming an integral part of the tech landscape, with 96% of high-tech executives recognizing its potential to create significant opportunities for their organizations, according to Accenture's Technology Vision 2024 report.

This surge in interest is mirrored in Coursera's data, which reveals a remarkable 1,155% year-over-year increase in enrollment for GenAI courses within the technology sector. Professionals are eager to master large language models and harness the capabilities of this game-changing technology.

Among the most sought-after GenAI courses are:

• Generative AI with Large Language Models by Amazon Web Services and DeepLearning.AI

• Generative AI for Everyone by DeepLearning.AI

• Github CoPilot for Beginners; Write Software With AI by Coursera Project Network

• Introduction to Generative AI by Google Cloud

• Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT by Vanderbilt University

This surge in GenAI adoption is not just about acquiring a new set of technical skills; it's about adapting to a fundamental shift in how technology is developed, deployed, and utilized. As Jeremy York, Senior Content Strategy Taxonomy & Innovation Manager at Coursera, points out, "The rise of SaaS models has fueled the need for streamlined customer experiences, with AI chatbots and AI-assisted solutions becoming increasingly prevalent." This means that GenAI skills are no longer a niche specialization but a core competency for technology professionals across various domains.

Moreover, the proliferation of GenAI applications has significant implications for cybersecurity. "Technology organizations must be acutely aware of the evolving security risks associated with GenAI," emphasizes Nitish Thappa, Manager, Tech & Data Content Strategy at Coursera. "As GenAI becomes more sophisticated, so too do the threats of cyberattacks and deep fakes. Professionals need to understand this intersection and develop the skills to mitigate these risks. Google, for instance, is incorporating GenAI training directly into its Coursera-hosted cybersecurity certification, ensuring learners are equipped to address these emerging challenges."

2) An emphasis on human skills to navigate change

The technology industry's relentless focus on technical mastery has often overshadowed the importance of essential human skills. However, as GenAI automates tasks and reshapes job roles, the value of these skills—collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and adaptability—is becoming increasingly apparent.

"The rise of remote work and digital communication has, in some ways, impacted soft skills development," observes Jeremy. "It's more crucial than ever for L&D professionals to prioritize these skills, especially as younger generations enter the workforce."

Coursera's data underscores this point, revealing that collaboration and people development rank among the top 10 skills in demand within the technology sector:

1. Software as a service

2. Software testing

3. Change management (Human skill)

4. Amazon Web Services

5. Collaboration (Human skill)

6. People development (Human skill)

7. Software architecture

8. Project management (Human skill)

9. Risk management

10. SQL

The need for strong human skills is amplified in today's hybrid and remote work environments, as Nitish explains, "Effective time management and communication are key for geographically dispersed teams. As we see some organizations shifting back towards in-office work, the ability to navigate these evolving dynamics will be critical for success."

Leading technology companies are recognizing this need and prioritizing human skills alongside technical training. Pegasystems, a global leader in software solutions, exemplifies this balanced approach. “Pegasystems is accelerating SaaS and cloud adoption to drive innovation and deliver greater client value through more scalable and efficient solutions,” shares Vivekananda Kadukuntla, Learning Lead. Recognizing the importance of human skills alongside technological advancement, our Skill Spotlight series helps enable employees to navigate the complexities of cloud transitions, drive cross-functional innovation, and ultimately deliver superior outcomes for our clients.”

To help tech organizations cultivate essential human skills, Coursera offers a range of impactful courses, such as Positive Psychology: Resilience Skills (University of Pennsylvania), High Performance Collaboration: Leadership, Teamwork, and Negotiation (Northwestern University), and Leading Transformations: Manage Change (Macquarie University).

3) The role of micro-credentials in tech

While human skills are essential, the technology industry's insatiable appetite for cutting-edge technical expertise remains constant. To remain competitive and adapt to the rapid evolution of fields like GenAI and cloud computing, tech professionals must embrace lifelong learning—and micro-credentials are emerging as a powerful tool in this endeavor.

As Jeremy, emphasizes, "Data literacy is no longer optional; it's a fundamental requirement for success at all levels of a tech organization. Every decision-maker needs to understand how to extract insights from data and use it to drive strategic action." This focus on data is evident in the sustained popularity of Professional Certificates in areas like data analytics, data science, and business intelligence.

Despite overall Professional Certificate enrollment in the tech industry remaining stable year-over-year, several certifications stand out as top performers:

• Google Project Management

• Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst

• Google Data Analytics

• Google Cybersecurity

• IBM Data Science

These certifications highlight the industry's ongoing demand for specialized skills in data analysis, project management, cybersecurity, and data science—all of which are crucial for navigating the complexities of today's technology landscape.

"Micro-credentials like Professional Certificates provide a flexible and accessible pathway for tech professionals to upskill and reskill," notes Nitish. "Learners can acquire in-demand skills on their own time, without having to put their careers on hold."

Beyond their value for individual skill development, micro-credentials also serve as powerful tools for talent retention. By providing employees with opportunities to advance their skills and enhance their marketability, organizations demonstrate a commitment to their professional growth, fostering loyalty and engagement.

"Whether you're a recent graduate seeking to bolster your resume or a seasoned professional looking to make a career transition, these micro-credentials provide a tangible way to demonstrate your skills and commitment to potential employers," adds Jeremy.

Build technical and human skill expertise in tech

The technology sector thrives on its ability to adapt and evolve. In today's dynamic landscape, where breakthroughs like GenAI are reshaping possibilities and a widening skills gap poses a constant challenge, building a workforce equipped for both technical mastery and human-centric skills is key.

As Nitish observes, "Despite the proliferation of technology—from GenAI to blockchain—the human element remains central. People drive innovation, and people shape how technology is used."

By embracing this interconnectedness—cultivating technical excellence while nurturing essential human skills—technology organizations can unlock unprecedented levels of innovation, agility, and resilience.

Ready to equip your tech workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead? Download the complete Industry Skills Brief 2025 and discover how to shape a future-proof skills strategy for your organization.