 training courses which every adult in the UK is eligible to use for free, as part of efforts to upskill 10 million people.){kind=link}
The government has unveiled new artificial intelligence (AI) training courses which every adult in the UK is eligible to use for free, as part of efforts to upskill 10 million people.
Ministers say the UK could be boosted by up to £140 billion in annual economic output through increased adoption of AI. Last June, the government announced its intention to train 7 million workers in AI by 2030 in a partnership with large tech firms including Google, Sage and Salesforce. That target has now been increased.
Free courses are available on the AI Skills Hub. The training covers how to use AI tools effectively for tasks like drafting text, creating content and completing administrative tasks.
Described as the biggest targeted training programme since Harold Wilson started the Open University, the government says the training will reach around a third of the UK’s workforce including at least 2 million employees of SMEs.
Research published alongside the announcement found that only 21% of UK workers feel confident using AI at work, and just one in six businesses were using AI as of mid-2025. SMEs report a lower rate of AI adoption, with micro businesses 45% less likely to adopt AI than large businesses.
To help reach SMEs, partners including British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and Institute of Directors have joined the scheme.
In other announcements today, £27 million in funding is being provided to the TechLocal scheme, part of the £187 million TechFirst programme, to help employers fill or create up to 1,000 tech jobs, and enable new professional practice courses, graduate traineeships, and work experience in AI.
The government is also launching the AI and the Future of Work Unit. Experts from business and trade unions will provide analysis and evidence on AI’s impact on the economy and labour market to inform new policies.
Liz Kendall, science, innovation and techology secretary, 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.”