UK announces a major AI training initiative for 7.5 million workers and 1 million students, partnering with Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
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| The UK aims to lead in AI by training millions through government and tech industry collaboration under its new TechFirst strategy. Image: Collected |
London, 09 June 2025:
The UK government has launched an ambitious plan to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) skills across the nation, targeting both workers and students. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that 7.5 million workers will receive AI training through a partnership with tech giants Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
In addition, the government will invest €187 million (about \$253 million) to provide AI education to one million secondary school students under the new “TechFirst” programme. This initiative aims to integrate AI learning into classrooms and communities, preparing the younger generation for the digital future.
“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,” said Starmer. “This training programme will unlock opportunity in every classroom and lay the foundations for a new era of growth.”
The UK’s AI sector, currently valued at €72 billion, is expected to surpass €800 billion by 2035 and is growing 30 times faster than the rest of the economy. The new training efforts will emphasize practical AI tools, such as chatbots and large language models, to increase workplace productivity.
Google EMEA President Debbie Weinstein hailed the initiative as “crucial” to advancing AI skills and reinforcing the UK's status as a global AI leader. The government also plans to sign two Memorandums of Understanding with NVIDIA to support a nationwide AI talent pipeline.