Tech Giants Collaborate with Government to Boost AI Skills for UK Workers
Leading technology companies have joined forces with the UK government to launch an ambitious plan aimed at training 7.5 million workers in essential artificial intelligence (AI) skills. The initiative targets roughly a fifth of the UK workforce, equipping them to thrive in an AI-driven economy and supporting the government’s broader Plan for Change.
On 13 June 2025, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle convened key players including Amazon, Barclays, BT, Google, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Sage, and Salesforce for focused discussions. This marked the official start of a government-industry partnership, first announced during London Tech Week, to work collaboratively on identifying future skills needs and making AI training more accessible across the nation.
Building Skills for the Future
Peter Kyle emphasized the importance of preparing workers for the future job market, noting that around 10 million UK employees are expected to use AI in their daily roles by 2035. The partnership aims to break down barriers to opportunity and unlock economic growth by ensuring people across all regions and age groups gain the necessary skills.
Each company involved brings unique expertise to the table. For example, Microsoft has committed to upskilling 1 million workers by the end of 2025. Sage and SAS will provide high-quality AI training resources to boost confidence in adopting AI technologies, while IBM will leverage its SkillsBuild program to deliver targeted training modules.
Since the government's AI Opportunities Action Plan launched in January, the UK has seen over £44 billion in AI investment and created more than 13,000 jobs. This partnership now focuses on equipping workers with the skills to support continued growth and innovation.
Industry Perspectives
- Alison Kay, AWS: "Democratising access to digital skills training is key to unlocking AI’s full potential. Amazon supports this goal through free initiatives like AWS Educate and AWS Skill Builder to build a talent pipeline nationwide."
- Craig Bright, Barclays: "Delivering AI education at scale shows our commitment to inclusive innovation, ensuring communities have the skills needed to succeed."
- Allison Kirkby, BT Group: "Investing in networks that support the AI economy is crucial, and we are proud to help upskill the wider workforce alongside government and industry."
- Debbie Weinstein, Google EMEA: "Our AI Works report guides effective nationwide adoption and upskilling, unlocking a £400 billion economic boost for the UK."
- Leon Butler, IBM UK and Ireland: "A digitally skilled workforce is essential to increase AI adoption and unlock its benefits for business and society."
- Leigh Thomas, Intuit: "AI levels the playing field for smaller businesses. Upskilling 7.5 million workers will improve prosperity across the UK."
- Steve Hare, Sage: "Many small businesses want to embrace AI but lack confidence. This initiative provides the tools needed to drive productivity."
- Zahra Bahrololoumi CBE, Salesforce UK and Ireland: "Equipping the workforce with AI skills is vital for economic growth. Salesforce is investing in digital literacy and AI centres to support this goal."
- Glyn Townsend, SAS EMEA: "AI is reshaping work across generations. This program ensures equitable access to skills that create meaningful careers and sustained economic growth."
Partnership Membership
The government-industry partnership includes major companies such as Accenture, Amazon, Barclays, BT, Google, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Sage, SAS, and Salesforce.
This initiative represents a focused effort to make AI skills training widely available and support the UK’s position as a global AI leader. For those interested in AI courses tailored to various skills and roles, resources are available at Complete AI Training.
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