The UK government is rolling out a free AI training program with the aim of upskilling 10 million workers by 2030.
The training scheme, delivered through a range of partner organizations including the NHS and techUK, has been designed in line with the Government’s ambition to establish the country as the first G7 country to adopt AI.
A range of AI development courses have been published for all adults in the UK, covering skills such as document creation and automating administrative tasks, with the aim of giving them the basic competency to use technology in the workplace.
The government describes the scheme as the largest targeted training program since Harold Wilson founded the Open University.
“We want AI to work for Britain, and that means enabling Britons to work with AI. Change is inevitable, but the consequences of change are not. We will protect people from the risks of AI, while ensuring everyone shares in its benefits.”
“It starts with giving people the skills and confidence they need to seize the opportunities presented by AI, and putting power and control in their hands.”
Other partners in the AI training scheme include the British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises, Multiverse, Barclays, BT, Google, Microsoft, Sage and Salesforce.
A £27 million funding pool has also been allocated to the TechLocal scheme, which has been launched to help businesses create new technology roles.
“AI is advancing at an incredible pace, offering huge opportunities for productivity and growth,” said Phil Smith, chairman of Skills England and co-chair of the Digital Skills Council.
“Skills England has been working quickly with technology companies to ensure that the courses selected for the AI Skills Boost program deliver the quality and competency that businesses need today.
“It’s also a big step forward that everyone who completes these short courses will get a digital badge that properly recognizes what they’ve learned. It’s a simple idea that makes a big difference.”
