Connect with us

News

Government offers UK adults free AI training for work

The digital tutorials provide guidance on various topics, including interacting with chatbots and managing administrative duties.

A new initiative by the government offers a range of AI training courses, aiming to equip individuals with the necessary skills to effectively utilize the technology in their workplaces.

Businesswoman wearing black glasses with dark hair, sitting working on computer at her desk in office

These online modules provide guidance on various aspects, including the use of chatbots for administrative tasks and how to interact with them efficiently.

With a mix of free and subsidized courses, the government's goal is to reach 10 million workers by 2030, marking the most extensive training program since the Open University's launch in 1971.

However, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) cautions that workers will require a broader range of skills to adapt to the evolving AI landscape, beyond just basic chatbot interactions.

According to Roa Powell, senior research fellow at the IPPR, acquiring skills for the AI era cannot be achieved through brief technical courses alone.

Powell emphasizes that workers need to develop a range of skills, including critical thinking, judgment, physical abilities, leadership, and the ability to use AI tools safely and confidently.

Major tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have contributed to the design of the AI skills training courses, which offer virtual badges to those who complete 14 specific courses.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that the initiative aims to empower individuals to feel confident when using AI technology in their workplaces.

Kendall emphasized that the government's objective is to ensure that AI benefits the UK, by enabling Britons to work effectively with the technology.

While acknowledging that change is inevitable, Kendall stressed that the consequences of this change can be managed, and the government will work to protect people from the risks associated with AI while ensuring everyone can benefit from its advantages.

The courses, which vary in length from 20 minutes to several hours, are accessible to all adults in the UK, with some available for free and others requiring payment.

Organizations such as the NHS, the British Chambers of Commerce, and the Local Government Association have pledged to encourage their staff and members to participate in the training programs.

Sharron Gunn, head of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, welcomed the initiative but noted that the responsibility for adapting to AI should not rest solely with workers.

Gunn emphasized that, in addition to dedicated AI professionals, businesses of all sizes in the UK need to ensure their teams have a standardized level of AI skills, acquired through degrees in computer science or digital apprenticeships.

Furthermore, Gunn stressed the need for greater understanding of technology at the board level, enabling those involved in governance to make informed decisions and scrutinize executive actions with confidence.

To stay up-to-date with the latest tech news and trends, sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter; international readers can subscribe via an alternative link.

A green promotional banner with black squares and rectangles forming pixels, moving in from the right. The text says: “Tech Decoded: The world’s biggest tech news in your inbox every Monday.”
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Tudor to take interim charge of Tottenham

Igor Tudor has reached an agreement to take the reins as Tottenham’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Tottenham has reached an agreement with Igor Tudor to take the helm as interim head coach for the remainder of the current season.

For the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and perspectives from fans, look to Tottenham's recent news and discussion.

Do you have any questions about Tottenham – what information are you seeking?

Continue Reading

News

UAE Defeats Canada to Enhance Super 8s Qualification Chances

The United Arab Emirates boosted their slim chances of advancing to the T20 World Cup Super 8s, securing a narrow five-wicket victory over Canada, thanks in part to Aryansh Sharma’s unbeaten 74.

In a crucial match for the United Arab Emirates, Aryansh Sharma achieved his fifth T20 international half-century, contributing to the team's victory over Canada.

The Men's T20 World Cup, being held in Group D in Delhi, saw an intense competition between the two teams.

Canada's innings resulted in a total of 150-7 after 20 overs, with Harsh Thaker scoring 50 runs off 41 balls, while Junaid Siddique took 5 wickets for 35 runs.

The UAE team responded with a total of 154 runs in 19.4 overs, led by Aryansh Sharma's unbeaten 74 runs off 53 balls and Sohaib Khan's 51 runs off 29 balls, despite Bin Zafar taking 3 wickets for 14 runs.

The United Arab Emirates secured a five-wicket win over Canada, boosting their chances in the tournament.

Aryansh Sharma played a pivotal role in the UAE's win, scoring an unbeaten 74 runs to help his team overcome Canada's total.

With four overs remaining, Canada seemed poised to defend their total, but Sohaib Khan's aggressive batting reignited the UAE's chase, as he scored 17 runs off Dillon Heyliger's bowling.

In the final over, the UAE required eight runs to win, and Aryansh Sharma eased the pressure by hitting a six off Jaskaran Singh's first ball.

Sohaib Khan was dismissed after scoring a rapid 51 runs off 29 balls, including four sixes, leaving the scores level.

Muhammad Arfan then sealed the victory with two balls to spare, hitting a four off Jaskaran Singh, as Aryansh Sharma top-scored with 74 runs off 53 balls.

The UAE now stands third in Group D with two points, but they face an uphill task in their upcoming matches against full members South Africa and Afghanistan to advance to the next phase.

Although the UAE has never beaten a full member in any World Cup format, their performance in this match has given them some confidence.

Earlier in the match, Junaid Siddique achieved the best bowling figures by a UAE player in a T20 World Cup, taking 5 wickets for 35 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Harsh Thaker's 41-ball half-century, which included three sixes and two fours, provided a solid foundation for Canada's total.

Thaker and Navneet Dhaliwal shared a 58-run partnership to help Canada recover from a difficult start, before Dhaliwal was run out for 34 runs.

After Thaker fell victim to Junaid Siddique's slower ball, Canada struggled to find boundaries against the UAE's tight bowling.

Shreyas Movva made a useful contribution of 21 runs off 21 balls, but Junaid Siddique took two wickets in the final over to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 internationals.

In a separate match, Zimbabwe's Brilliant Muzarabani played a key role in his team's stunning win over Australia.

For more updates, notifications, and social media coverage, visit the BBC Sport website.

In another development, Paul Stirling has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup due to injury.

Continue Reading

News

Guardiola Advocates for Cultural Embrace to Foster a Better Society

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has stated that accepting diverse cultures will lead to a more harmonious society, in reaction to comments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigration.

As a player, Pep Guardiola earned 47 international caps for Spain, showcasing his skills on the global stage.

Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, believes that embracing diverse cultures is essential for creating a more harmonious society.

Guardiola was questioned about his thoughts on comments made by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who stated that the UK had been "colonised by immigrants", sparking a debate.

Following criticism, Ratcliffe apologised for any offence caused, while still advocating for open discussion on the issue.

Ahead of Manchester City's FA Cup fourth-round match against Salford, Guardiola shared his perspective, saying that people seek better lives and opportunities, which can be found in their birthplace or elsewhere.

According to Guardiola, one's birthplace is not a determining factor in their potential or aspirations.

Many individuals are forced to leave their homelands due to problems in their native countries, rather than a desire to abandon their roots.

Guardiola emphasized that by genuinely embracing other cultures, society as a whole can improve, a notion he has no doubts about.

An examination of the facts behind Jim Ratcliffe's statements on immigration and benefits is also underway.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a billionaire, has made headlines, but who is he and how did he accumulate his wealth?

Born in Santpedor, Catalonia, Spain, Guardiola has had a diverse career, playing in Spain, Italy, Qatar, and Mexico, before transitioning to management.

As a manager, the 55-year-old has had stints in Spain, Germany, and England, taking the helm at Manchester City in 2016.

Guardiola views the issue of immigration as a global problem, stating that it is a concern that affects many countries.

He believes that immigrants are often unfairly blamed for problems in their adopted countries, highlighting the fact that one's birthplace is often a matter of circumstance.

Guardiola reiterated that people from all backgrounds strive for a better life, seeking opportunities that may be available in their birth country or elsewhere.

He stressed that factors such as skin colour or birthplace should not be barriers to achieving one's goals.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Manchester City, please refer to our dedicated section.

Do you have any questions about Manchester City that you would like answered?

Continue Reading

Trending