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machine learning

🔻 Declining 🤖 Technical AI ESCO reuse: cross-sector

The principles, methods and algorithms of machine learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence. Common machine learning models such as supervised or unsupervised models, semi- supervised models and reinforcement learning models.

machine learning — the principles, methods and algorithms of machine learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence. Common machine learning models such as supervised or unsupervised models, semi- supervised models and reinforcement learning models. McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the declining band (SCI 51.6/100) — a skill likely to fall in demand as AI and automation cover more of its ground by 2030, and is one of the Technical AI skills McKinsey identifies as specialised for AI-building work. ESCO classifies it as a cross-sector (useful across many industries) skill within knowledge. It is currently listed by 7 occupations in our catalogue, including Environmental engineers, environmental technician, microelectronics designer, and microelectronics materials engineer.

Category: knowledge › information and communication technologies not elsewhere classified SCI: 51.6/100 Also known as: ML, supervised learning, machine learning models, semi-supervised learning, unsupervised learning

Occupations that require machine learning

Showing top 7 of 7 occupations · ranked by India employment volume, then AI-durability.

Environmental engineers · 🤖 4.1/10
environmental technician · 🤖 5.0/10
microelectronics designer · 🤖 5.0/10
microelectronics materials engineer · 🤖 5.0/10
microelectronics smart manufacturing engineer · 🤖 5.0/10
computer vision engineer · 🤖 5.5/10
IoT developer · 🤖 5.9/10

Frequently asked questions

What is machine learning?

The principles, methods and algorithms of machine learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence. Common machine learning models such as supervised or unsupervised models, semi- supervised models and reinforcement learning models.

What category of skill is machine learning?

ESCO classifies machine learning under the knowledge category, specifically in the information and communication technologies not elsewhere classified subcategory.

Is machine learning an AI-durable skill?

McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the declining band (SCI 51.6/100) — a skill likely to fall in demand as AI and automation cover more of its ground by 2030. Prioritise this skill only when it directly enables paid work today — plan for AI to absorb more of it every year.

Is machine learning one of the Technical AI skills?

Yes — machine learning is on McKinsey's Technical AI shortlist, the set of specialised skills relevant to building, tuning, and deploying AI systems rather than just using them.

Which jobs require machine learning?

In our catalogue, 7 occupations list machine learning as a required or important skill. The top occupations by employment volume include Environmental engineers, environmental technician, microelectronics designer, microelectronics materials engineer, microelectronics smart manufacturing engineer, computer vision engineer.

How transferable is machine learning between industries?

ESCO tags machine learning as a cross-sector (useful across many industries) skill — a signal of how portable it is when you change field.

Is machine learning the same as ML?

Yes — machine learning is also known as ML, supervised learning, machine learning models, semi-supervised learning, or unsupervised learning. They refer to the same underlying capability in the ESCO taxonomy.

How can I learn machine learning?

The most reliable path is to pick a job or project that demands machine learning and learn through delivery. Complement that with role-specific roadmaps and short courses. Explore the occupations below to see where this skill is used in practice.

Data: ESCO v1.2.1 (CC-BY-4.0). Durability framework informed by McKinsey Global Institute (Nov 2025). See our methodology.