The UK government has expanded its AI Skills Boost programme to provide free training to 10mn workers by 2030, with new partners including the NHS and techUK joining the initiative, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology announced on January 28.

The announcement comes as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to head to China on January 28 as part of efforts to boost relations with Beijing. It also comes as Downing Street has committed large sums of money to boosting the country’s global standing. The UK and China are both major global AI players, with the UK ranking third globally (behind the US and China) in AI investment.

Every adult in the UK can now access free AI training courses through the government's AI Skills Hub, with participants receiving a virtual AI foundations badge upon completion. The courses, which take as little as 20 minutes, teach workers to use AI tools for tasks including drafting text, creating content and completing administrative work.

The programme aims to make Britain the fastest AI-adopting country in the G7, with the government estimating that increased AI adoption could unlock up to GBP140bn in annual economic output. Since launching in June 2025, the initiative has already delivered 1mn courses through government and industry efforts.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government would "protect people from the risks of AI while ensuring everyone can share in its benefits".

"That starts with giving people the skills and confidence they need to seize the opportunities AI brings, putting the power and control into their hands," Kendall said.

The expansion will target at least 2mn small and medium-sized enterprise employees, with major public sector organisations and business representative groups now participating. New partners joining founding members Accenture, Amazon, Barclays, BT, Google, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Sage, SAS and Salesforce include the British Chambers of Commerce, Cisco, Cognizant, Confederation of British Industry, Department for Education, Department for Work and Pensions, Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors, Local Government Association, Multiverse, NHS, Pax8 and techUK.

The government is also launching the AI and the Future of Work Unit, backed by experts from business and trade unions, to analyse AI's impact on the economy and labour market. The unit will provide policy advice across government to ensure the AI transition supports workers and protects communities.

Research published alongside the announcement found only 21% of UK workers feel confident using AI at work, whilst only one in six UK businesses were using AI as of mid-2025. Micro businesses are 45% less likely to adopt AI than large businesses.

The government announced GBP27mn in funding for the TechLocal scheme, which will help employers fill or create up to 1,000 tech jobs across UK communities and enable new professional practice courses, graduate traineeships and work experience opportunities in AI.

The British government has also launched applications for the Spärck AI Scholarship at nine UK universities, providing up to 100 AI and STEM Master's students with industry partnerships, work placements and mentorship whilst covering tuition and living expenses.

Chinese investors have poured billions into UK technology, including artificial intelligence, over the past decade. BBC reported on November 17.

A 2025 analysis of the UK’s National Security and Investment Act found China had financed about £45bn in deals, giving it access to advanced and sometimes military-adjacent technologies. BBC reported on November 17.

Venture capital from Chinese groups such as GSR Ventures and Tencent has backed UK AI companies, including an £800mn round led by GSR into London-based AI-driven fintech Abound. Grant Thornton reported on January 21.

The Tech Nation UK AI Sector Spotlight 2025 mapped Chinese investors among the most active foreign players at the growth stage in UK AI firms. Tech Nation reported on April 2025.

Policy has tightened. The UK’s National Security and Investment Act subjects Chinese-origin acquisitions in semiconductors, quantum computing and AI to rigorous review. Secured Research reported on October 2.