The purpose of this paper is to discuss the lack of functional AI knowledge in both, students who have undergone a basic level VET cycle in Spain without completing compulsory secondary education, as well as those who have studied an intermediate level cycle, the majority of whom have not completed baccalaureate studies. It also puts forward the lack of digital competence in AI and the complete absence of initial VET teacher training on the subject, particularly for those who have not undergone university degrees. As a result of this situation almost a fifth of the professionals accessing labor force in the near future in Spain will be AI illiterates and poor AI users in industrial and business environments. We draw awareness of the urgent need to tackle both problems by designing specific programs for students during their VET cycles but, also, for teachers during their compulsory initial teaching and education training.