The government has announced that every UK adult will be able to access free artificial intelligence (AI) training, aiming to upskill millions of workers and protect people from the risks of AI. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed on Wednesday (January 28) that newly benchmarked courses will be available online, taking as little as 20 minutes to complete.
The training will teach practical skills for using AI in tasks such as writing text, creating content, and completing administrative work. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the initiative would give people like NHS workers and local government employees the 'skills and confidence' to use AI effectively. 'We want AI to work for Britain, and that means ensuring Britons can work with AI,' she said.
The government aims to upskill 10 million workers by 2030, equivalent to a third of the UK workforce. The courses, hosted on the AI Skills Hub, have been checked against Skills England's AI foundation skills for work benchmark. Tech giants including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are founding partners in the programme.
However, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) cautioned that workers need more than short technical courses. Roa Powell, senior research fellow at the IPPR, told the BBC: 'Workers also need support to build judgement, critical thinking, physical skills, leadership and the confidence to use these tools safely.'
Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, welcomed the announcement, noting that completing courses will earn digital badges. Councillor Louise Gittins of the Local Government Association said councils can help maximise the benefits of AI by encouraging local take-up.
