Following new research from Salesforce, which finds a staggering 75% of UK workers do not feel ready to operate in a digital world, tech giant Google is launching a set of training courses to show Brits how AI can be used at work. This comes as the Digital Exclusion report finds five million workers will be acutely under-skilled in basic digital skills by 2030. With AI now becoming a key focus for economies on the global stage, Claire Trachet, tech industry expert and CEO of business advisory, Trachet, highlights the need for a combined effort between tech giants and the government to focus on upskilling its tech workforce.

There remains a skills shortage across the UK, with two-thirds (66%) of large UK businesses stating they struggle to recruit employees with the skills they need, according to a report. Therefore, the need to recruit experts and professionals in technology roles becomes increasingly essential. Google, helps combat this, its sessions help teach and provide Brits with information about how AI can boost productivity in the workplace.

Whilst AI continues to serve as a cause for optimism, having contributed roughly £3.7bn in value to the UK economy, as well as attracting almost £19bn in private investment through 2022, the need for skilled workers in this sector is crucial to safeguard consumers and businesses from any potential risks. This comes after a survey from the Prospect Trade Union found that 60% of respondents want the UK government to provide AI regulation in the workplace. According to Trachet, whilst it is pleasing to see the UK capitalising on the economic benefits of AI – with research from Earlybird revealing that Britain houses the largest number of AI startups in Europe at around 334 – it is also important for the government to create a sufficient workforce that can work effectively with this technology.

Claire Trachet, tech industry expert and CEO of business advisory, Trachet, highlights the need for a combined effort between tech giants and the government to focus on upskilling its tech workforce:

“Whilst Google’s approach in helping the UK workforce is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to ensure the workforce can effectively use and manage AI. It would be great to see the government partnering with tech firms in this area to provide better support for companies across the UK, helping them to unleash AI’s potential in a positive and safe way. Without this action, as we know, AI can pose risks which could later become difficult to slowdown or reverse.

“Due to the fast-growing nature of AI, the government also need to propose clear regulation that will balance driving innovation across the economy and also safeguarding the interests of consumers and businesses. While we have some form of risk management and different reports coming out now, none of them are true coordinated approaches.

“As the AI space is so fast-paced, establishing effective regulation can be difficult. One thing that can be done, is to put a clear responsibility onto the boards of these AI companies, so that they prioritise the safeguarding surrounding their products at all times.”