In a significant move to bolster the United Kingdom’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the government has unveiled plans to allocate £118 million in funding towards enhancing AI skills across the nation. The initiative, spearheaded by Secretary of State Michelle Donelan, aims to harness AI’s immense potential while ensuring its ethical and responsible application.
Investment highlights
The comprehensive plan unveiled by the government encompasses various facets of AI skills development, including the establishment of Centres for Doctoral Training, a grant scheme to attract emerging AI talent to the UK, scholarships, and an AI-focused visa program.
Centres for doctoral training: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will allocate £117 million of the funding to create 12 Centres for Doctoral Training in AI. These centers will focus on training AI researchers to responsibly develop AI applications in crucial areas like healthcare, agriculture, and sustainability.
Scholarships and grants: To encourage international students to learn about AI in the UK, the government will invest in 15 science and technology scholarships and a £1 million grants scheme aimed at supporting AI researchers and engineers from abroad.
Backing Invisible Geniuses (BIG) scholarship: The government is also launching a pilot program called BIG, which aims to attract STEM talent to UK universities by supporting above-average students in the International Science Olympiads.
AI-focused visa scheme: To facilitate the entry of AI researchers and talent, a specialized visa scheme will be introduced, making it easier for them to undertake internships and placements in the UK.
Addressing the skills gap
One of the core objectives of this initiative is to bridge the technology skills gap that the UK is currently facing. Many employers have voiced concerns about the shortage of skilled workers for technology-related roles, a challenge that is expected to exacerbate as AI’s role in various industries continues to grow.
To address this issue, educational institutions will encourage students to pursue courses in AI and data, ensuring that they acquire the skills required for the evolving workforce. Additionally, the government aims to attract international talent to the UK to augment the local skills pool.
International collaboration and education
Agata Nowakowska, AVP EMEA at Skillsoft, emphasizes the vital role that schools and universities play in nurturing essential AI skills. She highlights the importance of aligning skills development with business needs and urges organizations to support learners in their upskilling journeys.
As technology rapidly advances, organizations must think strategically about how to upskill workers to ethically and effectively use AI tools. This comprehensive approach to skill development will be crucial in preparing individuals for the jobs of tomorrow.
Future-proofing the nation’s skills base
The UK government’s investment of £118 million in AI skills development is a significant step towards future-proofing the nation’s workforce and ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of AI innovation. By creating opportunities for domestic and international talent to acquire AI expertise, the government aims to harness the potential of AI for the benefit of society while maintaining ethical and responsible practices.
As AI continues to transform various industries, the UK is taking proactive measures to ensure that its citizens are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-driven world. With a focus on education, scholarships, grants, and international collaboration, this initiative lays the foundation for a more AI-savvy workforce and a competitive edge in the global AI landscape.
