Government expands AI training programme to upskill 10 million workers

The Government and industry artificial intelligence (AI) training programme has been extended to upskill 10 million workers by 2030.

Every adult in the UK can access newly benchmarked online courses to gain practical AI skills for work. 

The courses, which can take under 20 minutes, show people how to use AI tools for drafting text, creating content and completing admin tasks. 

Those who finish the training receive a virtual AI foundations badge, and the courses are available on the Government’s AI Skills Hub.

The programme has already delivered one million courses since June, with new partners such as the NHS and techUK supporting the rollout. 

£27m funding has been set aside to help connect people with tech jobs locally and to create new professional practice courses and graduate traineeships.

NHS workers and local government staff are among those set to benefit. 

The expansion now aims to reach nearly a third of the workforce, including at least 2 million small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) employees. 

A new cross-government unit, the AI and The Future of Work Unit, has launched to study the impact of AI on jobs and the economy. 

Backed by a panel of business and trade union experts, the unit will provide analysis and advice on when new policies should be introduced. 

It will focus on growth, supporting workers to adapt, and protecting communities from past mistakes.

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.”

Research found 21% of UK workers felt confident using AI at work, and only one in six businesses were using AI by mid-2025. 

SMEs reported lower rates of adoption, with micro businesses 45% less likely to use AI than larger firms.

The Government said increasing AI adoption could unlock up to £140bn in annual economic output as part of plans for national renewal.