Expanding AI skills training across all parts of society in the UK is essential to build a workforce that can thrive in the age of automation. It requires collaboration between Government, businesses, schools, universities and further education to provide  reskilling, fair work practices, future-ready skills and adaptability to new roles.

A skilled workforce is critical for both technical and non-technical UK businesses to thrive. The UK faces a pressing need to increase the availability of training in AI technologies. The skills required start with a universal need to build confidence with generative AI, to more technical skills such as machine learning, data science and software development. UK citizens should also be aware of AI ethics, regulation and their rights. Digital and analytical skills should be prioritised in the school curriculum, building a talent pipeline for future AI related roles. At the same time, further education, apprenticeships and lifelong learning should also be updated to enable reskilling of existing workers to adapt to new roles in AI through continuous skills development. Any discussion of AI skills and education should be broader than just technical skills.

While skills training is essential, broader policies around workforce transition and job displacement are also crucial. As AI automates tasks, policies should address how to support workers through reskilling, unemployment support and transitioning into new roles. Policies in this area could ensure that workers have the resources needed to transition into new employment opportunities as AI changes the job market​. 

UKAI encourages the provision of both the technical and non-technical skills required for existing workers, future workers and those not currently in employment. This can be achieved by Government, academia and the private sector working together. It involves radically rethinking education in schools, as well as providing more up-to-date on the job training, particularly through the expansion of apprenticeships and lifelong learning. In addition to the technical skills that will be required by technology companies, many more workers still need to be introduced to the basics in areas such as generative AI, which could significantly transform productivity.

Being able to attract the best talent is critical to scale and grow businesses and this often means attracting global talent into the UK. London and the UK are uniquely placed to attract global talent, but the current visa process and paperwork often creates significant friction for business growth. UKAI wants to see the UK continue to attract the best talent to build world-leading AI businesses.