The UK Government has partnered with global technology giants to provide artificial intelligence training to 7.5 million workers by 2030
The initiative, unveiled during London Tech Week, aims to prepare a fifth of the UK workforce for a future where AI plays a central role across all sectors.
Government and industry join together
Led by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, the new partnership brings together some of the world’s most influential technology companies.
These include Amazon, Google, Microsoft, IBM, BT, Salesforce, Sage, and others. Their collective mission is to deliver high-quality, accessible AI training across the UK workforce.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle chaired the first meeting of the group on June 13, where the companies discussed how to collaboratively identify skill gaps, tailor training programs, and track progress through regular reviews.
Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:
“Artificial Intelligence is the new economic frontier, and we want to get Brits ready for jobs of the future so we can spark the growth powering our Plan for Change.
“If we want to realise AI’s incredible potential though, we need to make sure people of all ages and from all parts of the UK have the skills they need for jobs both in and with the technology.”
Addressing the growing demand for AI skills
With expectations indicating that 10 million UK workers will use AI tools in their daily roles by 2035, the government views upskilling as crucial to maintaining competitiveness and productivity. The initiative is part of the broader “Plan for Change,” a national growth strategy aimed at unlocking economic opportunities and supporting high-paying jobs through technological advancements.
With a focus on specialist skills and general AI literacy, ensuring that workers at all levels can understand, interact with, and benefit from AI technologies.
Training to be delivered on a large scale
Each participating company brings its strengths to the partnership. Microsoft has already promised to upskill one million UK workers in AI by the end of this year. Amazon is contributing through its AWS Educate and Skill Builder platforms, while IBM is rolling out targeted modules through its SkillsBuild program.
Companies like Sage, Salesforce, and SAS will also offer training resources personalised for small business owners, apprentices, and older workers, ensuring inclusive access to AI learning opportunities across different sectors and age groups.
The UK has attracted over £44 billion in AI-related investment over the past year, resulting in the creation of more than 13,000 jobs since the launch of the AI Opportunities Action Plan in January. Government officials and tech executives agree that investing in workforce skills is crucial to sustaining this momentum and solidifying the UK’s position as a global leader in AI.
By providing workers with the tools and confidence to adopt AI, the program aims to drive long-term productivity and support innovation across various industries, including finance, retail, healthcare, and education.
Broad support from industry leaders
The partnership involves employers and AI developers, including Accenture, Barclays, Intuit, and Google. All are committed to supporting digital inclusion and ensuring workers across every region of the UK can benefit from AI advancements.
Together, this public-private initiative marks one of the most ambitious efforts globally to prepare a national workforce for an AI-driven future. It shows a growing recognition that an equally substantial investment must match the transformative potential of AI in people.
By 2030, the goal is to make AI skills as critical as digital literacy, making sure the UK’s workforce can adapt to change.
