The Government will launch applications for the AI Upskilling Challenge Fund, which is recruiting organizations to deliver innovative AI training to help build the AI skills of Barnsley’s workers, businesses and residents.
Mr Barnsley was appointed by the Government in February as: Britain’s first ‘tech town’a new designation with more intentional efforts to support the deployment of AI.
Focusing on people who may be overlooked as technology transforms the workplace, these indicators could help manufacturers further leverage AI on the factory floor, help small and medium-sized businesses grow, build digital confidence in older populations, and equip young people looking to enter the job market with the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
The Government is calling on organizations from across the UK, from training providers and charities to universities and technology companies, to submit ideas, with successful projects to be delivered in Barnsley and awarded a share of the £800,000 fund.
Funded projects will need to demonstrate the potential to scale up across the UK, and evaluation results will feed into wider government initiatives, including the commitment to equip 10 million UK workers with AI skills by 2030.
Priority groups include workers in key local sectors such as manufacturing, older residents, and entry-level workers for whom existing pro bono offers may not be sufficient.
“When we launched Barnsley Tech Town, we made a commitment to ensure that the opportunities created by AI are felt by workers and communities across the town, not just those already ahead of the curve,” said Kanishka Narayan, Minister for AI and Online Safety.
“Now we are challenging the country’s most ambitious and creative training providers, businesses, universities and charities to bring us their boldest ideas to help the people of Barnsley develop the skills they need to harness AI.”
Applications open on July 15th and close on August 12th through the government’s Find a Grant platform. Successful applicants will be selected in September.
