The government announced on January 28 that it has launched a series of AI training courses designed to help all UK workers learn how to use the technology. But human resources critics warn that the training is generic.
The Government’s stated aim is to upskill 10 million workers in order to unlock £140 billion of bonus economic output by creating more high-skilled jobs and freeing workers from daily tasks.
To achieve this, the government is rolling out AI courses (many free, some subsidized) for all adults in the UK. Some courses can be taken in as little as 20 minutes, and many help with writing, creation, and administrative tasks.
However, learning and development (L&D) and human resources experts warn that AI training conducted by companies should not be generic or “one-and-done”. This requires further consideration.
talk to Human resources department In the magazine, Annabelle Vultee, CEO of L&D provider GoodHabitz, says the government’s plan, while well-intentioned, leans too far towards a general course on email and management.
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She explained: “True upskilling requires understanding the skills that are actually needed, rather than rolling out one-size-fits-all training that employees can click and forget,” he said, adding that successful AI implementation will not be achieved through “one-off training events” and that organizations need to stay on top of developments.
Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said that while there were risks to AI, she wanted all workers to benefit. She said: “We 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.”
Emily Rose McRae, a director at HR consulting firm Gartner, agreed with Vultee’s sentiments, saying basic AI training has “limited value” and more training is needed. McRae said Human resources department Magazine: “The best foundational training teaches what AI is and the core concepts employees need to succeed with it: the need for iteration and the importance of validating output.”Vultee added: “As technology and tools continue to evolve, organizations need partners who can stay relevant or risk becoming obsolete before the course is over.”
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McRae says the first thing companies should assess before training their employees is whether they need to use AI at all. She said, “If AI does not clearly support business outcomes, there is a risk that upskilling efforts will become low-impact activities.”
Callum Pennington, CEO of HR service provider HealthBoxHR, added that an organization’s AI training needs to be aligned with a successful HR strategy, one that is integrated into the business.
he spoke exclusively Human resources department Magazine: “In practice, HR and IT leaders should build a shared three- to five-year technology roadmap and map critical workflows by function, from payroll and recruiting to employee experience, reporting and operations, to see where AI is already embedded or could be introduced.
“Based on this, HR can target L&D to what really matters.
“Practical skills to use AI in everyday tools, the ability to check and validate AI-generated insights, and the confidence to know when human judgment needs to override automation are important, along with human abilities such as communication, empathy, and leading change.”
