UK government pushes AI training for 7.5 million workers by 2030
The UK’s technology secretary, Peter Kyle, is calling on workers to get over their fear of AI — or risk being left behind.
Kyle says just two and a half hours of training can close the generational AI gap between over-55s and younger workers. 
He wants employees and businesses to “act now” and start using the tech, stressing it’s easier and more rewarding than expected.
“I think most people are approaching this with trepidation. Once they start [using AI], it turns to exhilaration, because it is a lot more straightforward than people realise, and it is far more rewarding than people expect.”
Peter Kyle
The government’s plan, backed by Google, Amazon, and BT, aims to train a fifth of the UK workforce by 2030. Kyle says no currently employed person is incapable of learning AI skills needed in the next five years.
“There’s no one in employment at the moment that is incapable of gaining the skills that will be needed in the economy in the next five years.
That is the optimistic way of saying, act now, and you will thrive into the future. Don’t, and I think that some people will be left behind. And that’s what worries me the most.”
Peter Kyle
Kyle also touched on the recent passing of the government’s data bill, which clears the way for AI firms to use copyright-protected work without explicit permission. He said he’s ready for a reset in copyright debates.
“I’m acting with humility and self-reflection about the things I could have done better in that process,”
“And I’ve made promises to move forward with a reset and a refocus on what will deliver the rights remuneration and opportunities for creatives in the digital age that they have enjoyed for generations in the analogue age – whilst travelling on that journey with the AI industry alongside.”
Peter Kyle
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged widespread skepticism and job worries around AI but pledged government support for tech that “create wealth,” “good jobs,” and “vastly improve public services.”
Polling shows English-speaking countries like the UK, US, Australia, and Canada are more nervous about AI than the biggest EU economies. Forecasts warn AI could threaten jobs in law, medicine, finance — with up to 60% of jobs exposed overall.
The Tony Blair Institute argues new AI roles will offset private sector job losses.
The UK government is betting fast AI training will turn fear into opportunity — and fast.
