THE UK government has introduced a draft of guidance aimed at assisting businesses in upskilling their workforce to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The initiative seeks to elevate productivity by providing employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and leverage emerging AI technologies safely.
Developed in collaboration with the Innovate UK BridgeAI program and The Alan Turing Institute, the guidance emphasises five key areas where businesses and training providers can support workers. These areas include understanding how to use AI for project performance evaluation, addressing workplace challenges, and enhancing efficiency in various day-to-day roles, such as administration and accounting.
The guidance is designed to offer employers insights into key AI tools, including Large Language Models, and to empower employees with the ability to use AI in their daily tasks securely. As AI adoption becomes more prevalent, the guidance aims to ensure that the workforce is well-equipped to utilise this technology effectively.
Suid Adeyanju, CEO of RiverSafe, welcomed the government’s move, emphasising the importance of preparing companies for potential AI-enabled cyber threats. Adeyanju stated, “Getting businesses and workers cyber-ready to prevent this happening should also be a major priority for the government moving forward.”
Andrew Drylie, Investment Manager at Quadri Ventures, highlighted the transformative impact widespread AI adoption will have on business operations. He commended the government’s initiative to encourage upskilling, stating that workers need the opportunity to develop their skill sets to master digital skills for the future.
Tom Dunning, CEO and founder of Ad Signal, acknowledged the opportunities and challenges presented by the race to embrace AI. Dunning stressed the need for a comprehensive digital strategy to ensure ethical and responsible AI use, with considerations for environmental impact.
Minister for AI Viscount Camrose expressed the importance of aligning the UK as an AI powerhouse and ensuring the workforce’s skills keep pace with the rapidly developing technology. He stated, “This guidance will be vital in helping us realise that ambition, continuing an important conversation with businesses across the UK to make sure the steps they can take are practical, functional, and successful.”
The introduction of this guidance follows the recent announcement of Microsoft’s £2.5 billion investment in UK AI over the next three years, as the government places emphasis on cultivating a skilled workforce to drive the AI agenda.
