The UK government has just launched a groundbreaking AI skills drive, teaming up with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to empower 7.5 million workers with cutting-edge AI knowledge. This initiative is set to revolutionize how professionals leverage AI to boost productivity, making complex tech tools accessible and practical.
In a major push for future talent, Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled an impressive 187 million pounds ($253 million) funding package for the "TechFirst" program. This ambitious program will bring AI learning directly into classrooms and communities, training 1 million secondary school students. As Starmer put it, "We are putting the power of AI into the hands of the next generation – so they can shape the future, not be shaped by it."
The driving vision behind this move is clear: unlock opportunities in every classroom and lay a strong foundation for a new era of growth. With the UK’s AI sector valued at 72 billion pounds and expected to skyrocket to over 800 billion pounds by 2035, the potential impact is enormous.
The collaboration doesn’t stop here. Tech giants are set to provide free training materials for businesses over the next five years, while training sessions will focus on using chatbots and large language models to further enhance workplace efficiency. Google EMEA President Debbie Weinstein hailed the initiative as a "crucial initiative" that will boost AI-powered growth and solidify the UK's status as a leader in AI innovation.
Additionally, the UK government plans to ink two memorandums of understanding with semiconductor firm NVIDIA to further support the creation of a nationwide AI talent pipeline. This dual approach of upskilling current workers and preparing the next generation is a vibrant step towards a tech-driven future. 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
