The UK government is providing citizens with free access to artificial intelligence training. Aware that it needs to prepare the workforce for so-called digital transformation in the face of new AI tools, the country’s technology minister has showcased recent skills development initiatives, which the ruling Labour party hopes will make Britain great (or at least technically competent) again.
The United Kingdom is, of course, a service industry economy. Despite its heritage in founding the first industrial revolution and helping to spearhead the second, British business today relies on service competencies in professional business services, including legal, accountancy, insurance, architecture, advertising and management consultancy.
Solid Foundations for AI
In many ways, this should represent a solid foundation for the UK to adopt AI and make use of its virtual accelerators and automations to improve service workflows in professional services. Except perhaps it doesn’t, at least not at first.
Possibly as a result of Silicon Valley dominance, possibly as a result of American prowess in semiconductor development, or possibly as a result of self-effacing British gaucheness… the notion of Britain as an maverick AI powerhouse feels like it will take a lot of effort.
Yes, Minister?
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall, thinks her government’s recently updated AI skills program (programme to the Brits) can move the public’s perceptions of AI beyond it merely being a tool for image creation, or it merely being used for search.
Kendall has big shoes to fill; her predecessor, Peter Kyle, spoke openly at last year’s Google Cloud Summit in London to explain how he spends most of his time “talking to technology companies,” even if this jarred with some of his parliamentary colleagues’ ideas about how to reflect industry needs inside public policy. Kendall’s experience at the command line might be limited (her background appears to span charity leadership and public policy think tanks), but let’s hope her department’s current efforts are rewarded.
UK AI Skills Hub
From this month, adults in the United Kingdom are able to gain access to short, practical courses through the government’s own AI Skills Hub, which has recently been upgraded. Although a lot of the content initially feels like it’s pitched at teaching silver-haired people how to change the time on a digital watch, deeper analysis shows training options covering actions like automating administrative work, using applications beyond word processing and creating content.
Supported by involvement and guidance from heavyweight tech giants including Google, Microsoft and IBM (now then Britain, say thank you America), the UK skills portal has already delivered in excess of one million courses since last year.
Quoted on a Sky News report, small business owner Tracey Kasongo has said that the training has been resolutely useful in terms of building practical skills. Kasongo’s company, 20 MGMT, is known for its work in management consultancy, video production and sound recording. She says it helped her team to use AI to create more efficient workflows and processes.
AI That Works for Everyone
“We want to make AI work for Britain, and that means Britons who can work with AI,” said UK technology secretary Liz Kendall. “We’re announcing a big, bold goal of upskilling 10 million workers in AI skills by 2030. We’re working closely with companies, the NHS and local government to make sure people from all walks of life have the skills they need, because that’s better for them, their families and the future of the country.”
Government research in Britain published this year estimates that less than a quarter (21%) of workers in the United Kingdom are confident using AI in the workplace. The same researchers have helped ministers conjure up an estimated £140 billion (US$ 192 bn) in untapped economic growth, if the UK crosses the chasm and rides the AI wave right.
Beyond AI for Search
“Before, I was sceptical and only really used it like a search engine,” said Zunera Diwan, business founder of Money Circuit, a financial decision-making consultancy, also quoted on Sky News. “Now I use AI for invoicing, contracts and creating policies. It’s saved me four or five hours a week, which I can put back into growing the business or looking after my wellbeing.”
After completing the training on offer here, users are said to receive a “UK government-backed AI foundations badge” to show customers, partners, employers and anyone else who ought to know that they recognised AI skills. A web search for that badge right now throws up a conference held by the IAPP (International Association of Privacy Professionals) and a certification from the European IT Certificate in AI – EITCA Artificial Intelligence, so perhaps it’s a work in progress for the Brits.
