TL;DR

The UK government has announced a major expansion of its AI Skills Boost programme, targeting 10 million workers by 2030—nearly a third of the workforce. New partners including the NHS and techUK join founding members like Microsoft, Google, and Barclays. The initiative also includes £27 million for local tech jobs and a new government unit to monitor AI’s impact on employment.

Largest Skills Programme Since the Open University

Every adult in the UK is now eligible for free, benchmarked AI courses through the government’s AI Skills Hub. The programme has already delivered one million courses since June 2025, and the expanded partnership now aims to upskill 10 million workers this decade, including at least 2 million SME employees.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated: ‘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.’

The courses, taking as little as 20 minutes, teach practical skills for using AI tools effectively in the workplace, from drafting text to completing administrative tasks. Those completing the training receive a government-backed virtual AI foundations badge.

Addressing the Skills Gap

Research published today shows only 21% of UK workers feel confident using AI at work, with just 1 in 6 UK businesses having adopted AI as of mid-2025. Micro businesses are 45% less likely to adopt AI than large enterprises, highlighting the need for targeted SME support.

NHS workers and local government employees are among those benefiting from the expansion. New partners joining the initiative include British Chambers of Commerce, Cisco, Cognizant, CBI, Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors, Local Government Association, and Multiverse.

New Future of Work Unit

Recognising that AI will fundamentally change employment, the government is launching the AI and the Future of Work Unit. Backed by an expert panel including representatives from business and trade unions, the unit will analyse AI’s economic and labour market impacts to advise on timely policy implementation.

Looking Forward

The £27 million TechLocal scheme will help fill or create up to 1,000 tech jobs in local communities, alongside new professional practice courses and graduate traineeships. The government has also launched the Spärck AI Scholarship, offering up to 100 talented AI and STEM Master’s students industry partnerships, placements, and covered tuition costs at nine UK universities.