The UK government has launched new free artificial intelligence training courses that every adult in the UK is eligible to use, as part of a plan to upskill 10 million people in using emerging technologies at work. Ministers say the UK could be boosted by up to £140 billion in annual economic output through increased adoption of artificial intelligence, positioning the initiative as a major component of the country’s economic strategy. The move builds on a commitment made in June to train 7 million workers in artificial intelligence by 2030 in partnership with large technology firms including Google, Sage and Salesforce, a target that has now been increased.
The free courses are being delivered through the AI Skills Hub and focus on practical applications such as using artificial intelligence tools to draft text, create content and complete administrative tasks. The government describes the scheme as the biggest targeted training programme since Harold Wilson created the Open University and says it aims to reach around a third of the UK’s workforce, including at least 2 million employees of small and medium sized enterprises. New research released alongside the announcement found that only 21% of UK workers feel confident using artificial intelligence at work, and just one in six businesses were using artificial intelligence as of mid-2025, with micro businesses reported as being 45% less likely to adopt artificial intelligence than large companies.
To break through that adoption gap among smaller firms, the government has enlisted partners including the British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors to help promote and tailor the training to their members. Alongside the skills push, £27 million in funding is being allocated to the TechLocal scheme, which is part of the £187 million TechFirst programme, to help employers fill or create up to 1,000 tech jobs and to support new professional practice courses, graduate traineeships and work experience in artificial intelligence. The government is also setting up an AI and the Future of Work Unit, bringing together experts from business and trade unions to examine the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy and labour market. Science, innovation and technology secretary Liz Kendall said the goal is to ensure artificial intelligence “works for Britain” by giving people the skills and confidence to use it while protecting them from risks and putting “power and control into their hands.”
