Government unveils over £1.1bn AI skills package

Thousands more people across the UK will train and gain qualifications in future tech like artificial intelligence, and others that could transform areas like medicine, 6G and quantum computing, thanks to a package of more than £1.1 billion to skill-up the country.

Addressing the Maths Summit at the Science Museum in London, the Science and Technology Secretary set out plans to revolutionise the UK’s skill-base in key industries, aiming to ensure the UK is home to the world’s most highly skilled and well-trained workforce in future technologies.

It comes after new research by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) reveals that 41% of UK architects are already using artificial intelligence (AI) on at least the occasional project, and of those, 43% think it has made the design process more efficient.

The RIBA AI report includes the findings of a survey asking architects how they are using and plan to use AI.

In the next 2 years, 54% of architects expect their practice to use AI, and 57% think it will improve efficiency in the design process. However, this ambition this doesn't yet seem to be matched by investment, as 69% say their practice has not invested in AI research and development, and only 41% expect their practice to invest.

As part of the new plans the Science and Technology Secretary unveiled the UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical science doctoral skills – the highest university degrees. Over £1 billion from government, business, charities and academia will train over 4,000 talented students across the UK, from Edinburgh to Bristol, in 65 Centres for Doctoral Training – ensuring the UK’s brightest minds have exciting opportunities to fulfil their ambitions closer to home.

The majority of opportunities will also be led from outside the south-east of England, with more than 350 places for students in Glasgow, over 300 in Edinburgh, over 250 in Bristol and over 150 in Sheffield and Manchester respectively.

It comes alongside further investment of over £60 million for new quantum skills programmes running until 2034 – addressing a top priority for businesses developing the next generation of quantum technologies, in being able to access the right skills and talent.

This includes £14 million for 100 quantum PhD studentships in universities across the UK and another £14 million to fund early career researchers, through a competition open now and running until 10 April. It also includes £4 million to create more apprenticeship pathways into quantum through a pilot scheme and ensuring those from a range of educational backgrounds can enter the quantum workforce.

Building on the Chancellor’s announcement of the £7.4 million AI upskilling fund, the Science and Technology Secretary issued a call to action for eligible small and medium enterprises in the Professional and Business Services sector to register their interest in the scheme, ahead of an information webinar in April and the application process opening in May. The pilot will help small and medium enterprises to unlock the opportunities AI brings and develop AI skills of the future, helping fuel growth across the economy.

Together these are the latest measures in the government’s mission to help businesses realise the enormous benefits of AI, which could increase UK GDP by up to 10.3% by 2030.

Addressing the Maths Summit, Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said: “Building on our reforms to the skills system will require work from each and every one of us – universities, schools, and businesses.

“By doubling down on our investments in skills and backing British business, we can lay the foundations for an economy fit for the future - an economy that creates jobs and improves lives for communities up and down the country.

“That is how we make our science and tech superpower mission a success.”