In January 2026, the government announced the launch of a series of free AI training courses that aim to help people get to grips with the technology in the workplace. The online lessons provide advice on things like how to use chatbots to assist with administrative tasks.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI can be used to create new content that appears as if it’s been written by a human. To do this, it learns from vast amounts of existing data such as online images and text and can often produce content from simple text prompts. Popular generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek can be used to create code, images, text, and other material.
Reaching Millions
The government hopes to reach 10 million workers by 2030, with many courses being free and others subsidised. Big tech companies including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have helped design the AI training, with some courses awarding a virtual badge to those successfully completing them. The lessons vary in length – with some taking just 20 minutes – and can be accessed by any adult in the UK.
Setting Ambitious Targets
The move comes as part of a drive to place Britain at the forefront of AI adoption within the G7 and ensure that the nation’s workforce is adequately confident, skilled and ready to take advantage of the opportunities that AI presents. The government hopes that this will free up workers from repetitive, routine tasks, create more highly skilled jobs and boost annual economic output by up to £140 billion. The government has also launched a new unit, working cross-government to advise on AI’s labour and economic market impacts. Take a look at the embedded PDF for more information on the AI and the Future of Work Unit.
Funding and Scholarships
Those with a keen interest in this sector, such as Jonathan De Vita, know that as well as the free training, the government’s AI strategy includes a £27 million injection into the TechLocal scheme – which forms part of the overarching TechFirst programme. The scheme is designed to support up to 1,000 new tech jobs across the UK, as well as AI-focused traineeships, work experience, and professional opportunities.
Applications have also opened for the Spärck AI Scholarship, which is available at nine UK universities. Through these scholarships, up to 100 postgraduate STEM and AI students will receive living support, tuition, industry placements, and mentorships.
The new AI training and programmes are positioned to become a cornerstone of the country’s industrial strategy and represent a mission to ensure that no business, community, or worker is left behind in the AI transition.