UK technology professionals are rapidly shifting their learning priorities towards artificial intelligence, according to new research from O’Reilly, highlighting the growing importance of AI skills alongside established software engineering expertise.
Analysis of learning activity on the O’Reilly platform between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026 found that UK usage of Generative AI content increased by 89%, while AI and Machine Learning content grew by 51%. Data-related learning now accounts for almost one-third of all UK platform usage, making it the platform’s largest subject area.
For IT and cybersecurity leaders, the findings underline how AI is becoming embedded across software development, infrastructure management and security operations, driving demand for new technical capabilities without replacing core engineering skills.
O’Reilly believes the shift reflects changing working practices rather than a decline in traditional programming knowledge. As AI-powered coding assistants become integrated into development environments, experienced engineers are increasingly learning programming concepts while working, allowing formal training time to focus on rapidly evolving AI technologies and applications.
This trend is reflected in reduced demand for some established learning topics. Programming Fundamentals declined by 73% year-on-year, while Agile and Git also recorded lower usage. At the same time, Natural Language Processing – one of the most widely adopted AI disciplines – saw learning activity increase by 117%.
However, O’Reilly cautions against viewing AI as a replacement for fundamental technical expertise.
“UK tech professionals are not simply experimenting with Generative AI; they are making it a core part of their learning priorities,” said Alexia Pedersen, Senior Vice President, International at O’Reilly. “Many already have years of programming experience, which puts them in a strong position to adopt AI tools confidently and apply them in meaningful ways.”
The research also suggests employers continue to value strong software engineering foundations. Learning related to Clean Code increased by 19%, while C# grew by 17%, reflecting continued investment in practical development skills alongside AI adoption. Technologies including React, Node.js and Java also remain among the most sought-after skills in UK technology recruitment.
The findings reinforce the importance of balancing AI adoption with robust technical capability. As organisations increasingly deploy AI across software development, security operations and IT service delivery, ensuring teams retain the expertise to validate, debug and securely govern AI-generated outputs will be critical.
O’Reilly concludes that AI is enhancing the capabilities of experienced technology professionals rather than replacing them. The challenge for employers, however, will be ensuring the next generation of developers and security specialists build strong technical foundations before becoming overly reliant on AI-assisted tools.
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