Every adult in the UK is now eligible for free AI training as the government aims to expand its joint government-industry programme to upskill 10 million workers by 2030
The Free AI Foundation training, led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology alongside Skills England and major employers, aims to make Britain the fastest adopter of AI in the G7.
The Free AI Foundation training builds on early plans with more than one million AI courses already completed since its launch last summer. Ministers say widespread AI adoption could unlock up to £140 billion in additional annual economic output, while creating more high-skilled jobs and reducing time spent on routine tasks.
Short, practical courses open to all
A central part to the Free AI Foundation training plans are newly benchmarked AI foundation courses, available free online through the government’s revamped AI Skills Hub.
Open to all UK adults, the Free AI Foundation training can take less than 20 minutes to complete and focuses on practical workplace skills such as drafting text, creating content, and automating administrative tasks using simple AI tools.
Courses have been checked against Skills England’s AI foundation skills benchmark, and learners who complete them receive a government-backed virtual AI foundations badge. The badge is designed to give both workers and employers confidence in the skills gained, while helping to set national standards for AI upskilling.
The NHS and small businesses are some of the main beneficiaries
The Free AI Foundation training has now expanded to include major new partners across the public and private sectors, including the NHS, local government bodies, business groups and technology firms.
With Britain’s largest employer on board, the government has raised its ambition to reach nearly a third of the UK workforce by the end of the decade, including at least two million employees in small and medium-sized enterprises.
This focus on SMEs comes as research shows AI adoption remains uneven. While large businesses are increasingly adopting AI, micro-businesses are about 45% less likely to do so, often citing a lack of skills and confidence.
Alongside the training expansion, the government has launched a new AI and the Future of Work Unit to monitor how AI is reshaping jobs and the labour market. Supported by experts from industry, academia and trade unions, the unit will provide evidence-based advice to help the government respond quickly to emerging challenges and opportunities.
The goal is to ensure AI adoption supports economic growth, helps workers adapt, and avoids the social disruption seen in past periods of industrial change.
Investment in local skills and talent
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall said:
“We want AI to work for Britain, and that means ensuring Britons can 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 can share in its benefits.”
“That starts with giving people the skills and confidence they need to seize the opportunities AI brings, putting the power and control into their hands.”
The announcement also includes £27 million in funding for the TechLocal scheme, part of the wider £187 million TechFirst programme. This funding will support local employers, create up to 1,000 tech jobs, and develop new AI-focused professional courses, graduate traineeships and work experience opportunities.
