UK Launches Free AI Training for All Adults

The UK government announced on Wednesday a nationwide initiative to provide free artificial intelligence training to every adult, aiming to equip the workforce with essential skills amid the technology's rapid advancement. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall unveiled the program during a speech at Bloomberg's headquarters in central London, emphasizing its role in boosting productivity and creating new job opportunities while addressing potential disruptions.

The training, accessible through an upgraded AI Skills Hub, offers a range of online courses tailored for busy professionals. Modules range from quick 20-minute tutorials on using tools like chatbots to longer sessions on automating administrative tasks and drafting documents. While some advanced content may require payment, the core offerings are free or subsidized for all UK adults. Upon completion, participants receive a virtual AI foundations badge, developed in collaboration with tech companies including IBM, Google, and Microsoft. Officials target reaching 10 million workers by 2030, describing it as the most ambitious national training scheme since the Open University launched in 1971.