The Government has launched a major expansion of free AI training for workers, including local government employees, aiming to upskill 10 million people by 2030.
The initiative, part of the broader AI Skills Boost programme, offers online courses available to all UK adults, with completion recognised through a Government-backed digital badge.
With £27m of additional investment, the drive links training to local jobs and community skills development, including professional practice courses and graduate opportunities. NHS staff, local government employees and small business teams are among those expected to benefit.
Courses focus on workplace-relevant AI tools and tasks, helping councils and public sector partners harness AI to improve services and productivity. A new cross-government AI and the Future of Work Unit will monitor labour market impacts and support policy responses as adoption grows.
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.’
If you would like to learn how one city council is upskilling its workforce, then join our forthcoming free webinar: Future Sheffield: How one city council is upskilling its workforce.
