Accenture has unveiled a new initiative to close the skills gap in AI in the UK.
The consulting firm’s new ‘Regenerative AI’ scheme promises to deliver education and mentorship for individuals of all ages, free of charge, across the UK to help over a million people build their AI skills.
The programme will focus on young people in education as well as job seekers, and includes a new course with the Open University to equip thousands of prospective job applicants with the practical skills using Generative AI in their search for vacancies.
As many as 8.5 million adults in the UK still lack basic digital skills, according to data from Data from the Lloyds Banking Group ‘Essential Digital Skills’ survey. putting them at risk of missing out on the educational, social and economic opportunities offered by AI. Women make up less than 30% of the tech workforce whilst those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds account for less than 10%.
Shaheen Sayed, Head of Accenture in the UK, Ireland & Africa, said: “The true accelerator for AI will be people and equipping the UK’s current and future workforce as well as the wider community with the skills to use it.
“With millions of people in the UK still lacking basic digital skills, the need for action to bridge this gap has never been more important.”
Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “AI is poised to be a transformative force and ensuring people have the digital skills to match these opportunities is key to unlocking its potential and creating a workforce fit for the future. That’s why it is so important that these opportunities are available to everyone.”
