The time dedicated to studies in artificial intelligence by professionals from large Brazilian companies has increased significantly. Entre January and March 2026 the accumulated hours have already exceeded the total recorded for the entire year 2025. The platform Unico Skill, which offers education benefits to more than 200 thousand employees in more than 100 companies, compiled the numbers.
The data shows 901 thousand hours of AI study in the first quarter compared to 801 thousand hours in the entire 2025. Empresas as well as Bradesco, Nestlé, Bayer and Farmácia Pague Menos are part of the analyzed base. Professionals seek practical training to apply technology in their daily work.
Increase in study hours reflects change in perception
The numbers indicate that professionals started to treat artificial intelligence as a permanent tool in corporate routines. Unico Skill offers the benefit in the form of an education voucher, which allows access to free courses and postgraduate courses.
Tiago Musachi, co-founder of Unico Skill, commented that employees understood the lasting nature of the technology. The platform serves companies that include the benefit as part of the benefits package for employees and dependents.
The biggest focus is on direct applications. Cursos of AI for business accumulated 321 thousand hours in just over two years. Essa category leads searches on the platform.
- 72% of the most sought after courses involve specific applications in areas such as human resources, marketing, sales and business
- 28% of courses cover technology fundamentals
- Courses with 400 hours or more went from 3% of enrollments in the first quarter of 2024 to 34% now
- Open courses fell from 81% to 49% of total enrollments
- Postgraduate enrollment rose from 18% to 28%
Course depth increases with demand
The average duration of courses has also changed. The median has gone from two to eight months in the last two years. Essa trend shows search for more structured training instead of quick training.
Professionals of different age groups participate. The platform registers interest even among employees over 40 and 50 years old. The movement occurs in a scenario of expansion of artificial intelligence in internal company processes.
Research by Fundação Itaú Cultural and Datafolha showed that 82% of Brazilians have heard of AI. However, 46% do not know how to explain what the technology is. Data from Unico Skill suggests that the corporate environment accelerates practical learning.
Practical applications dominate training
The courses prioritize the use of AI in specific functions. Áreas as HR, marketing and sales account for most of the hours studied. Essa choice reflects the need for professionals who combine technical skills with business knowledge.
Unico Skill operates as an intermediary between companies and educational institutions. The model allows employees to choose courses aligned with the demands of the current job market.
Other recent surveys also record growth in the demand for AI qualifications. Plataformas of education and consultancies indicate a similar trend in different segments.
Companies expand their offer of educational benefits
Companies adopt education vouchers to retain talent and prepare teams for digital transformations. The benefit works unlimitedly in some cases and covers courses of different durations.
The platform follows the advancement of AI in traditional sectors. The use of technology in analysis, automation and corporate decisions requires constant updating from professionals.
Consolidated data shows that the first quarter of 2026 marked an inflection point. The hours studied exceeded the entire previous year in just three months.
- AI for business leads with 321 thousand hours in just over two years
- Applications in HR, marketing and sales gain prominence
- Longer and more specialized training grows in participation
- Education benefit gains space in corporate packages
- Employees seek positioning in a market that values hybrid skills
Context of the Brazilian labor market
The demand for professionals with knowledge in AI is growing at a rapid pace. Empresas They face a shortage of qualified talent in several areas. Internal training emerges as an immediate response to this challenge.
The benefit offered by Unico Skill allows flexibility. Colaboradores access content from partner institutions at no additional cost to the employee in many cases.
The trend aligns with global requalification movements. Relatórios international companies highlight AI as a transformative factor in traditional careers.