The UK government has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) training courses, offering free access to all adults as part of a broader initiative aimed at upskilling 10 million people. This move is expected to significantly enhance the country’s economic output, potentially adding up to £140 billion annually through increased AI adoption.
Ministers previously announced their goal to train 7 million workers in AI by 2030 in collaboration with major tech companies such as Google, Sage, and Salesforce. With the recent expansion of this initiative, the training courses are now accessible via the AI Skills Hub, which covers essential skills for effectively utilizing AI tools, including drafting text, creating content, and managing administrative tasks.
Described as the most extensive targeted training program since the establishment of the Open University under Harold Wilson, officials indicate that the initiative aims to reach roughly a third of the UK workforce, including at least 2 million employees working in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Research accompanying the announcement revealed that only 21% of UK workers feel confident using AI at work, while merely one in six businesses had implemented AI solutions as of mid-2025. The adoption rate is notably lower among SMEs, with micro businesses reported to be 45% less likely to adopt AI compared to larger counterparts.
To facilitate outreach to SMEs, the government has partnered with organizations including the British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, and the Institute of Directors. This collaboration aims to ensure that smaller firms can benefit from the initiative.
In addition to the training program, the government has allocated £27 million in funding to the TechLocal scheme, part of the £187 million TechFirst programme. This funding is intended to assist employers in filling or creating up to 1,000 tech jobs and to support the introduction of new professional practice courses, graduate traineeships, and work experience opportunities in AI.
Furthermore, the government is launching the AI and the Future of Work Unit, which will include experts from business and trade unions. This unit is tasked with analyzing and providing evidence on the impact of AI on the economy and labor market, informing the development of new policies aimed at maximizing benefits while mitigating risks associated with AI technologies.
Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, emphasized the government’s commitment to making AI beneficial for the UK workforce.
“We want AI to work for Britain, and that means ensuring Britons can work with AI,” she stated. “Change is inevitable, but the consequences of change are not. We will protect people from the risks of AI while ensuring everyone can share in its benefits.”
Kendall underscored the importance of equipping individuals with the necessary skills and confidence to leverage the opportunities presented by AI, asserting that empowering the workforce is essential for navigating the challenges posed by technological advancements.
This initiative marks a significant step in the UK’s strategy to embrace AI and its potential to transform various sectors of the economy. By focusing on workforce training and education, the government aims to foster a culture of innovation and adaptability, ensuring that the UK remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global landscape of technology.
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