The UK government has significantly expanded its national AI training programme, making free artificial intelligence training available to every adult in the country. The ambitious plan aims to equip 10 million workers with practical AI skills by 2030 as part of efforts to ensure the UK remains competitive and adaptable in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The programme, known as AI Skills Boost, offers a range of courses designed to help workers understand and use AI tools effectively at work. Key themes include:
How to use everyday AI tools for tasks such as drafting text, creating content and managing administrative tasks.
Building confidence with AI — even for those who have never used AI before.
Training content has been benchmarked against the Skills England AI Foundation Skills for Work standard to ensure relevance and quality.
Some courses are designed to be incredibly accessible, with modules taking as little as 20 minutes to complete — ideal for fitting around work or family life.
Unlike many training initiatives that focus solely on professionals in tech, this expanded programme is open to every adult in the UK, regardless of industry or prior experience.That means whether you’re in retail, education, healthcare, finance, or public services, you can access the training for free online and start building practical skills straight away.
Visit the AI Skills Hub — the government’s online learning portal where the courses are hosted.
Sign up and create a learning profile — you’ll be asked simple questions about your role and experience to tailor your recommended courses.
Browse, learn and complete courses at your own pace. Many are self-paced and mobile-friendly.
Completing foundational training may also earn government-backed credentials such as an AI foundations badge, which learners can showcase on their CVs and professional profiles.
The UK government argues that equipping people with AI skills is vital to ensuring that workers benefit from the economic and productivity gains of AI, rather than being left behind by it.With technology transforming nearly every industry, these courses aim to give people confidence and competence, helping them adapt to new tools and job demands within today’s workplace.
While many welcome the move as a major step toward broad digital inclusion, some commentators have raised questions about usability, quality and long-term support. Critics point out that good user experience and clear learning pathways will be essential if the initiative is to deliver value at scale.
As AI reshapes work and productivity, this training initiative could play a crucial role in helping millions navigate that shift. Visit the AI Skills Hub today to explore the free courses and start building the skills that future jobs demand.