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Leading tech firms have partnered with government to deliver AI skills training to 7.5 million UK workers.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP
Leading tech firms join talks with ambitions to train 7.5 million UK workers in essential AI skills.
Amazon, BT, Google, IBM, Microsoft and Sage among companies called together for discussions, as government-industry partnership agree programme of work.
Boosting AI skills for a fifth of UK workers is poised to unlock further growth and high-paid jobs, accelerating delivery of the governments Plan for Change.
A fifth of the UK workforce will be supported with the AI skills they need to thrive in their jobs, breaking down barriers to opportunity and unlocking economic growth.
Thats the message Technology Secretary Peter Kyle delivered this week (Friday 13 June) as he brought together leading tech firms for a first round of focused talks.
Peter Kyle met the likes of Amazon, Barclays, BT, Google, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Sage, and Salesforce, as a new government-industry partnership unveiled by the Prime Minister during London Tech Week formally kicked off its work.
The talks focused on how industry and government can work together to deliver on this joint ambition, including identifying future skills needs and making training more accessible. During the meeting, the group worked towards agreeing terms of reference and a schedule of regular meetings helping to track its progress.
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 AIs 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 - especially given we expect around 10 million workers to be using AI in their day-to-day role by 2035.
Within days of announcing that were partnering with some of the worlds biggest tech leaders to help us do exactly that, were getting them around the table - representing a vote of confidence not only in Britains workers, but in the potential we offer as a global AI powerhouse.
Companies who have signed up to this partnership will all bring a different area of expertise to its work. Microsoft have already committed to upskilling 1 million workers in AI by the end of the year, while firms including SAS and Sage will provide high-quality AI training resources for workers, boosting their confidence in using and adopting the technology. IBM are also set to tap into the power of its IBM SkillsBuild training programmes to roll out targeted training modules for workers, arming them with the tools they need to confidently adopt and use AI.
In the 12 months since the government took office, the UK has attracted more than PS44 billion in AI investment, with 13,250 jobs being created since the Prime Minister launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan in January.
With a growing number of firms looking to Britain to support their AI ambitions, the collective focus of leading companies and Ministers will now work to equip people across the country with the skills they need to thrive in the age of AI.
Industry reaction
Alison Kay, Vice President and Managing Director, UK and Ireland at AWS, said:
Democratising access to digital skills training will be key to helping the UK unlock the full potential of AI, boost productivity, and support the transformation of the UKs digital economy.
Thats why at Amazon, were proud to support the UK government to achieve its goal to train 7.5 million people in AI skills through initiatives like this, and through programmes such as AWS Educate, AWS Skill Builder, and the Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance, which are free for learners.
Working together, well help ensure the benefits of AI are accessible to everyone, and build a pipeline of talent across all nations and regions that can seize the AI opportunity today and in the future.
Craig Bright, Group Chief Information Officer and Deputy Group Co-Chief Operating Officer, Barclays, said:
Partnering to deliver AI education at a national scale reflects our commitment to inclusive innovation -equipping communities with the skills and understanding needed to thrive in the future.
Allison Kirkby, Chief Executive of BT Group, said:
Harnessing AI and the digital infrastructure underpinning it are the growth opportunity of the decade. BT is investing record levels in the networks that enable the AI economy, and we know how important it is that everyone benefits. Thats why were so proud to support governments AI upskilling partnership.
As we equip our people to work with AI-driven tools, we look forward to partnering with government and other businesses to help the wider workforce too.
Google EMEA President, Debbie Weinstein, said:
Our AI Works report uncovered the most effective ways to accelerate nationwide AI adoption and upskilling.
We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work alongside the government and wider industry to apply these learnings, enable more people to reap AIs benefits, and unlock a PS400 billion economic boost that will benefit the country for generations to come.
Leon Butler, Chief Executive, IBM UK and Ireland, said:
AI is helping to transform every industry - opening opportunities to innovate and unlock new forms of value. Creating a workforce that understands digital technologies will be crucial to boost AI adoption and so realise its huge benefits for business and society.
IBM is proud to support the governments efforts to train more of the UK workforce in AI.
Leigh Thomas, Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), at Intuit:
AI is a growth enabler for the UK economy, levelling the playing field for smaller businesses, by giving them the opportunity to access the sort of technology solutions that larger busine
