PwC UK named delivery partner for UK Government's AI Skills Boost programme

• Free AI training now available to every UK adult, with the ambition to upskill 7.5 million workers by 2030

• Nationwide programme targets all regions and sectors to drive inclusive growth and close economic inequality

PwC UK has been appointed as delivery partner for the UK Government's AI Skills Boost programme, one of the most ambitious national upskilling initiatives globally, aiming to equip 7.5 million UK workers with AI skills by 2030.

The programme opens free AI training to every adult in the UK through the AI Skills Hub - designed by PwC UK in collaboration with Innovate UK. Participants will gain practical, job-ready skills and can earn a Government-backed virtual AI foundations badge.

Proven impact: AI Skills Hub results to date

Since launching in 2025, the AI Skills Hub has established the UK's first national AI upskilling infrastructure - and the momentum is building. 

In seven months, more than 2,000 users have registered and started learning, choosing from over 660 high-quality courses signposted on the platform. The Hub's outreach has deliberately targeted hard-to-reach regions and sectors, increasing awareness of responsible AI principles and boosting adoption where it's needed most. More than 65 events have been delivered in cities including Cardiff, Belfast, Bradford, Glasgow, Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham and London, bringing practical AI learning to communities nationwide. Behind the scenes, the team has engaged over 2,000 employers and learners through interviews, surveys, focus groups and consultations, ensuring the programme reflects their real needs. 

Carl Sizer, Chief Markets Officer at PwC UK, said: 

"We're proud to be delivering this programme and contributing to  these critical upskilling efforts for the UK . This isn't just about technology - it's about people, places and opportunity. AI has the potential to drive growth in every region and every industry, but only if we ensure the benefits are shared widely."

"By taking a nationwide, cross-sector approach, we can, create jobs in communities that need them most, and build an AI-ready workforce that reflects the whole of the UK — not just traditional tech hubs." 

Addressing the UK's urgent AI skills gap

The programme responds to an urgent need. PwC research shows:

• 96% of employers have an AI skills gap

• 90% have gaps across five or more skill areas 

• 91% are concerned the gap will negatively impact their organisation

Yet only 25% of UK CEOs feel confident they can attract high-quality AI talent, compared with 42% globally, highlighting why building homegrown capability is essential.

Umang Paw, Chief Technology Officer at PwC UK, said: 

"AI isn't coming - it's here, and it's rewriting the rules of work. Some roles are becoming more accessible; others demand skills that didn't exist five years ago. Expanding access to training isn't a nice-to-have; it's how we ensure no one gets left behind.” 

“We're living this ourselves at PwC, embedding lifelong learning into how we work and through this initiative, we're helping bring that same opportunity to millions across the UK."

Courses are available now at www.aiskillshub.org.uk

Notes to Editors: 

• The AI Skills Hub was developed by PwC UK in partnership with Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). 
• Employer research findings are drawn from PwC UK's AI Skills white papers. CEO data sourced from PwC's Global CEO Survey