UK to Train 7.5M Workers in AI by 2030 Amid Automation Fears

- UK Technology Secretary urges workforce to embrace AI - Government to train 7.5 million workers in AI by 2030 On June 14, 2025, GOV.UK reported that UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced an ambitious plan to equip 7.5 million UK workers with essential AI skills by 2030. This initiative aims to support one-fifth of the workforce and seeks to break down barriers to opportunity and unlock economic growth. On June 14, UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, during the announcement of this plan, emphasized AI as the 'new economic frontier,' highlighting the necessity of preparing the workforce for future jobs to spark economic growth. Kyle met with representatives from major tech firms including Amazon, Barclays, BT, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Sage, and Salesforce to kick off this government-industry partnership. On June 14, Cryptopolitan reported that UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle warned UK workers, urging them to adapt to fast-growing AI technology or risk being left behind in the evolving job market. The government positions this initiative to make the UK a global leader in AI innovation and to respond to AI's transformative abilities and predicted job losses as businesses automate operations. According to the same report, Kyle pointed out that while some approach AI with trepidation, its use can lead to exhilaration and offer a straightforward and rewarding experience. Furthermore, he noted a significant generational usage gap, with individuals over 55 employing AI half as much as those over 35, adding that basic AI training could potentially take just 2.5 hours. During London Tech Week (June 9-13), Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged public skepticism regarding AI and job security; however, he underlined the government's intention to demonstrate how technology can create wealth, good jobs, and enhance the public sector. These announcements form part of a broader £187 million "TechFirst" programme, which aims to incorporate digital skills and AI learning into classrooms and communities. The "TechFirst" programme includes the "TechYouth" initiative that, backed by £24 million, will provide AI and tech skills training to 1 million secondary school students over three years. On June 14, Cryptopolitan, citing reports from The Guardian, noted that these reports highlighted concerns about AI's impact on jobs, with such concerns being more prevalent in the UK compared to larger EU economies. Various projections regarding job losses attributed to the rise of AI have been made by The OECD, IMF, and Goldman Sachs. The Tony Blair Institute suggests AI could create new roles and potentially increase UK national income by between 5% and 14% by 2050. However, Goldman Sachs remains cautious about immediate productivity boosts, stating that significant investments in infrastructure, such as power for data centers, are necessary first. During London Tech Week (June 9-13), UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle and Prime Minister Keir Starmer focused on advancing the UK's AI talent pipeline and infrastructure. Officials also announced a new Centre for AI-Driven Innovation in London during the event, a partnership between Imperial College and the World Economic Forum. Kyle further announced ongoing efforts to introduce a comprehensive AI bill in 2026 that will address safety and copyright concerns. On June 14, CoinMarketCap reported that Ethereum (ETH) was trading at $1,852 as of 16:00 UTC, with its 24-hour trading volume having increased by 1.5%.