Future-proofing is no longer just a stock phrase amongst mid-career professionals as they flock to online learning platforms to acquire new skills and sharpen existing ones amid broad disruption unleashed by new technologies including artificial intelligence (AI).

Among those is 31-year-old Ashish Thomas who’s enrolled in a data science and AI course after nearly a decade as a customer service executive. “A few years ago, the idea of switching careers after 10-12 years in one field would have sounded crazy. But now, everyone’s upskilling…it’s never too late,” says the Gurgaon resident.

These new learners are not just looking to upskill in existing roles but often aiming to switch industries altogether driven by fears of redundancy due to rapid technological evolution.

“About one in three learners on our platform are intentionally transitioning into fields like AI, cybersecurity, and digital technologies,” said Shantanu Rooj, founder and CEO of TeamLease Edtech.

“There’s growing concern about certain roles becoming obsolete.”

Online learning platform Coursera also reported that 39% of its learners are career switchers, drawn by the promise of better growth, pay, and job security.

“AI is reshaping job responsibilities, so even staying in the same role now means adapting,” Prashasti Rastogi, senior director of education and government at Coursera said in an interaction.

This is triggering a rise in intake for multiple learning platforms like Upgrad, Simplilearn, Coursera, TeamLease Edtech, and NextLeap.

Simplilearn says mid-career professionals now make up 50-55% of their total learners. “These programmes are preparing professionals for next-level roles, especially as generative AI becomes a cross-sector imperative,” Krishna Kumar, founder and CEO of Simplilearn told ET. He pointed out that sectors like IT, BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance), and healthcare are contributing significantly to this trend.

This year, Ronnie Screwvala-led Upgrad, has seen a 40% year-on-year jump in enrolments from mid-career professionals for its university-led programmes according to Anuj Vishwakarma, COO of certifications and institutional business.

Over 1.6 lakh professionals signed up for Upgrad’s certification courses in the last fiscal year.

Job trends support the fact that mid-career professionals are transitioning into new, more tech-focused roles. According to Naukri, roles in AI and machine learning grew by 38% recently, even as traditional IT jobs like system administration and front-end development saw a decline.

This shift is also reflected in enrolments at Bengaluru-based NextLeap, which has seen a sharp rise in sign-ups for bootcamps in product management, data analytics, and UX (user experience) design.

“Many of our learners come from non-tech functions like sales and operations, or tech-adjacent roles like QA (quality assurance) and design,” said cofounder and CEO Arindam Mukherjee.

micro-credentials

Micro-credentials, which are short-term, skill-specific courses, are also emerging as popular choices for time-strapped professionals looking for quick, targeted learning. These credentials are also gaining favour among employers.

“Employers like micro-credentials because they cut hiring costs and reduce onboarding time by up to 20%,” said Rooj of TeamLease. “On the learner side, they speed up job transitions and often lead to a pay hike.”

TeamLease reported over 60% growth in enrolments for micro-credential courses this year, while Simplilearn noted growing demand from professionals in their 30s and 40s seeking domain pivots or deeper specialisation.

“Micro-credentials are ideal for those who want to stay updated but can’t commit to long-term programmes,” said Kumar of Simplilearn, adding that 97% of employers are willing to pay a premium for candidates with certified skills in emerging areas like generative AI.

As industry disruption accelerates, India’s mid-career workforce is responding with urgency – investing in continuous learning to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.