The UK government has launched a national programme providing free artificial intelligence training to every adult. The initiative aims to equip up to 10 million workers with practical AI skills by 2030, addressing both technological disruption and evolving labour market demands.
Courses are accessible online and designed to fit into busy schedules, with some taking under 20 minutes to complete. They focus on skills that are increasingly relevant at work, from drafting text and creating content to automating routine tasks.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall framed the plan this way:
“We want AI (artificial intelligence) to work for Britain, and that means ensuring Britons can work with AI (artificial intelligence).
Change is inevitable, but the consequences of change are not. We will protect people from the risks of AI (artificial intelligence) while ensuring everyone can share in its benefits.
That starts with giving people the skills and confidence they need to seize the opportunities AI (artificial intelligence) brings, putting the power and control into their hands.”
Employers and industry bodies are part of the rollout. Partners including Accenture, Amazon, Barclays, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Salesforce and others support the expanded AI Skills Boost platform, which offers industry-aligned training free to all adults.
Participants who complete selected modules receive a government-backed virtual AI foundations badge, a credential that signals practical understanding of workplace AI tools.
This drive is harder than it sounds. Only a minority of UK workers currently feel confident using AI at work. Yet employers increasingly prioritise AI literacy as firms automate processes and digitise operations. Upskilling on this scale is comparable to past national efforts, like the creation of the Open University, by preparing millions for a rapidly shifting job landscape.
Author: Pishon Yip