The government now offer a series of free AI training courses designed to help people learn how to use the technology at work at a cost of £4 million.
The online lessons give advice on things such as how to prompt chatbots or use them to assist with admin tasks.
Many of the courses are free, with others have a paywall, and the government aims to reach 10 million workers by 2030 – calling it the most ambitious training scheme since the launch of the Open University in 1971.
However, an “AI Skills Hub” is designed to train millions of people on how to use AI, advertises courses that are unable to be completed or do not exist at all.
Others are more than 20 years old or require attendance at workshops in rural Canada.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has warned workers will need to know more than “just how to prompt a chatbot” as the workforce adapts to the growth of AI.
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“Skills for the age of AI can’t be reduced to short technical courses alone,” said Roa Powell, senior research fellow at the IPPR.
“Workers also need support to build judgement, critical thinking, physical skills, leadership and the confidence to use these tools safely.”
Tech companies including Amazon, Google and Microsoft have helped design the AI skills training courses, with 14 courses giving those who complete them a virtual badge.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the move was designed to help people feel confident using the tech in the workplace.
“We want AI to work for Britain, and that means ensuring Britons can work with AI,” she said.
“Change is inevitable, but the consequences of change are not. We will protect people from the risks of AI while ensuring everyone can share in its benefits.”
The NHS, the British Chambers of Commerce and the Local Government Association are among those who have committed to encouraging their staff and members to sign up. But, why bother!
Opinion
What a waste of public money on with some totally outdated courses. You can just go on YouTube and find many hours of free training courses on AI if people really want to learn. This government are clueless when it comes to what people actually need, but they’ve got the hang of wasting taxpayers money.
