Human
LONDON: The British government on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping expansion of its free artificial intelligence training programme, aimed at equipping 10 million adults with essential AI skills by 2030 as digital technologies reshape workplaces across the country.
Under the revamped initiative, every adult in the U.K. will be eligible to take newly accredited, no-cost AI courses available online through the government's AI Skills Hub. Modules, many of which take under 20 minutes to complete, are designed to help workers confidently use AI tools for tasks such as drafting text, generating content and automating routine work. Successful participants receive a government-backed "AI foundations badge" to signal their competence to employers.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the expanded programme will help ensure that "AI works for Britain" by giving workers the skills and confidence to benefit from technological change rather than be left behind by it. The programme has already delivered more than one million courses since its launch in June 2025 and is now backed by new industry and public sector partners including the NHS and techUK.
Officials also announced £27 million in funding for local TechLocal projects to connect people with technology jobs and expand professional training and graduate traineeships. A new cross-government AI and the Future of Work Unit will monitor AI's economic impacts and advise on policies to support workers through the transition.
Critics, including some trade unions and business groups, have welcomed the skills push but warned that training alone may not be enough to protect jobs as automation accelerates. Still, ministers maintain the initiative positions the U.K. as a leader among G7 nations in AI adoption and workforce readiness.
