Pearson AI report says role redesign, not recruitment, is key to solving the tech talent gap
Study finds nearly a day per week could be saved through automation across five high-value roles
Pearson has published new research urging employers to focus on role redesign as part of their AI talent strategies, rather than relying solely on external hiring.
The report comes as emerging technologies continue to reshape the nature of tech work and create opportunities to repurpose time saved through automation.
Pearson, a global learning company, examined how five high-value tech roles in the UK could evolve over the next five years due to automation and AI. The study projects that, by 2029, between 5.2 and 7.8 hours per week could be saved in each role by augmenting tasks with technologies such as large language models (LLMs) and robotic process automation (RPA).
A shift from recruitment to role redesign
The report argues that employers should use automation gains to support upskilling and internal development. This, Pearson suggests, would reduce dependence on external recruitment while building flexibility and long-term value from within.
“In a world where Generative AI is rapidly transforming the world of work, tech leaders need to rethink and evolve skilling pathways, or risk being left with an underutilized, undervalued, and unprepared workforce,” says Oliver Latham, Regional Sales Lead for EMEA in Pearson’s Enterprise Learning and Skills Business Unit. “By adopting a role redesign approach now, businesses can bridge talent gaps, achieve stronger growth and create the capacity they need without relying solely on external hiring.”
Breakdown by role
The five roles studied included systems software developers, computer programmers, system engineers, system analysts, and network architects. Pearson’s modeling looked at 76,600 individual tasks across the ICT sector, applying projections based on the adoption of 34 emerging technologies.
Key insights from the study include:
Systems software developers could save 5.2 hours per week through the automation of error correction and maintenance, with roles expected to shift toward architecture and cross-team collaboration.
Computer programmers may save 6.7 hours by automating code documentation and maintenance. The role could shift to focus on algorithm design and AI oversight.
System engineers and architects stand to benefit from 5.2 hours saved, enabling a move from technical troubleshooting to strategic planning and compliance.
System analysts could reclaim 6.8 hours by automating support tasks, allowing them to prioritize data-led decision-making and large-scale system alignment.
Network architects have the highest projected time saving at 7.8 hours per week, with a future focus likely on innovation, cybersecurity, and infrastructure resilience.
Pearson says these time savings present an opportunity for employers to revisit how tech teams are structured. Rather than replacing roles, the company advises using this additional capacity to develop skills aligned with the evolving workplace.
