New study reveals gaps in student AI readiness

80% of students use AI, but only 23% receive practical training. Discover how small businesses can close this gap and boost their workforce

sábado, 4 de julio de 2026 • 3 min read • Q2BSTUDIO Team

Small businesses facing the artificial intelligence skills gap

Artificial intelligence is transforming the business landscape at a dizzying pace, but a recent study by Pearson and AWS highlights a critical disconnect between what universities teach and what companies actually need. While 80% of university students already use AI tools, only 23% receive practical training to apply them in real-world contexts. This gap particularly affects SMEs, which face the challenge of hiring young talent with theoretical knowledge but lacking the ability to implement effective solutions. In this scenario, collaboration between the education sector and technology companies becomes essential to bridge the distance between AI exposure and proof of its application.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, the key is not just to wait for universities to update their curricula, but to take an active role in training their own teams. Investing in internal programs that combine theory with practical projects allows employees to acquire the skills the market demands. In this regard, having a technology partner like Q2BSTUDIO is strategic, as we offer artificial intelligence solutions for businesses that facilitate the integration of these tools into daily workflows. Additionally, custom application development and custom software make it possible to adapt technology to the specific needs of each organization, maximizing return on investment.

One of the most striking findings of the study is that only 12% of employers rate graduates' ability to evaluate AI-generated results as 'excellent.' This skill is essential when artificial intelligence begins to guide business decisions. Therefore, at Q2BSTUDIO we promote the use of AI agents that not only automate tasks but also incorporate validation and auditing mechanisms. Complementarily, cybersecurity becomes an indispensable pillar when deploying these technologies; our solutions include pentesting services and data protection to ensure that AI adoption is safe and reliable.

Another relevant piece of data is the need for students to gain practical experience through projects, internships, and assessments that integrate AI. Companies can collaborate with educational institutions to design curricula aligned with market realities. Along these lines, we offer AWS and Azure cloud services that allow SMEs to deploy scalable infrastructures to train and run artificial intelligence models without large initial investments. Furthermore, our business intelligence solutions with Power BI help visualize and analyze data generated by AI systems, facilitating evidence-based decision-making.

The study also identifies six barriers hindering the transition from education to work: pace, connection, capacity, governance, experience, and skills. To overcome them, small businesses must foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration with experts. At Q2BSTUDIO, we believe that true AI readiness is achieved not just through access to tools, but through real experiences that allow professionals to apply technology to solve concrete problems. That is why we accompany SMEs throughout the entire process: from needs assessment to implementation of custom applications, including the integration of artificial intelligence and process automation.

Ultimately, the Pearson and AWS research is a call to action for companies to take the reins of their own technological development. Those that invest in training their teams, establish partnerships with educational centers, and adopt custom software solutions will be better positioned to seize the opportunities that artificial intelligence offers. If your company is looking to make that leap, at Q2BSTUDIO we are ready to help you build the bridge between theory and practice, ensuring that your organization not only adapts to change but leads the transformation.

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