The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Employability: Mediating Effects of Skill Development and Moderating Factors of Technological Readiness among Adult Learners

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption on the employability of adult learners in the UK, focusing on the mediating role of skill development and the moderating effect of technological readiness. Using a survey of 500 adult learners, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between AI adoption, skill development, technological readiness, and employability. The results show that AI adoption positively influences employability (β = 0.58, p < 0.01), with skill development acting as a significant mediator (β = 0.74, p < 0.01). Technological readiness moderates this relationship, enhancing the effect of AI adoption on employability (β = 0.56, p < 0.01) and significantly interacting with skill development (β = 0.42, p < 0.01). The moderated mediation analysis further reveals that the combination of skill development and technological readiness produces the strongest effect on employability outcomes (β = 0.34, p < 0.01). These findings underscore the importance of skill development and technological readiness in maximizing employability in an AI-driven labor market. The study provides practical implications for policymakers and educational institutions, suggesting the need for targeted initiatives that enhance both digital skills and technological preparedness. Future research could explore longitudinal trends and sector-specific variations in AI adoption's impact on employability.