The “Leading the Future: Developing the UK’s AI-Ready Workforce” roundtable, hosted by UKAI and Bradley Thomas MP at the House of Commons, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for equipping the UK workforce with the right AI skills.

The event focused on closing the digital divide, integrating AI literacy into education, fostering industry-led training and supporting workforce transitions. Participants from business, academia and the third sector explored how AI can be embedded into early education, lifelong learning and workplace training to ensure both technical and non-technical workers are prepared for an AI-driven future. Additionally, discussions addressed the importance of balancing skills development with ethical AI use, fair work practices and ensuring regional and gender inclusivity in AI talent development.

Key themes from the roundtable included the importance of industry involvement in training, the need for flexible qualification frameworks and the challenge of attracting global AI talent while ensuring opportunities for UK workers. Participants debated the role of AI in reshaping jobs, strategies for reskilling displaced workers and policies to support equitable access to AI training across different regions and demographics. There was also strong interest in improving public understanding of AI and ensuring the UK remains globally competitive through workforce development strategies. This event served as a critical step in shaping practical policies and partnerships to build a future-ready, AI-literate workforce.

The full report will be shared with members and the Government.