Major tech firms including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and IBM are in discussions to support the UK government’s ambitious plan to AI upskill more than seven million workers. This initiative, first announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at London Tech Week earlier this month, aims to equip over a fifth of the total UK workforce with AI capabilities to address potential skills gaps in the sector and wider digital economy.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle met with representatives from various tech giants to explore how industry partnerships can bolster this national effort. Companies that agree to participate will make varying commitments to provide AI training for their UK-based staff, with each firm’s involvement tailored to their specific circumstances.
Microsoft has already committed to upskilling one million workers in AI by the end of the year, while IBM plans to introduce targeted training modules through its IBM SkillsBuild programmes. Leading British tech employers, including Sage and BT, have also taken part in the discussions.
Peter Kyle stated: “If we want to realise AI’s incredible potential, 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.”
He added: “Within days of announcing that we are partnering with some of the world’s biggest tech leaders to help us do exactly that, we are getting them around the table – representing a vote of confidence not only in Britain’s workers, but in the potential we offer as a global AI powerhouse.”
Image source: Gov.uk
