UK Launches Ambitious AI Skills Program for Workers and Students
The UK government has announced a groundbreaking partnership with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to boost AI skills across the nation. The initiative aims to train 7.5 million workers in artificial intelligence over the next five years, equipping them with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
In addition, the government is investing £187 million ($253 million) to develop tech abilities for 1 million secondary school students through the “TechFirst” program. This initiative seeks to bring AI learning into classrooms and communities, empowering young people to shape the future.
“We are putting the power of AI into the hands of the next generation—so they can shape the future, not be shaped by it,” said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. “This training program will unlock opportunity in every classroom and lay the foundations for a new era of growth.”
The UK’s AI sector is currently valued at £72 billion and is projected to exceed £800 billion by 2035. Growing 30 times faster than the rest of the economy, it employs over 64,000 people, according to government figures.
As part of the initiative, tech giants have committed to making training materials freely available to businesses. The focus will be on teaching workers how to use chatbots and large language models to boost productivity.
Google EMEA President Debbie Weinstein called it a “crucial initiative” for developing AI skills, unlocking AI-powered growth, and cementing the UK’s position as an AI leader.
The government also plans to sign memorandums of understanding with semiconductor firm NVIDIA to support the development of a nationwide AI talent pipeline.
