Free AI Courses UK Government: How to Access the 2026 AI Skills Hub
The workplace shifted significantly on 28 January 2026.
Before this date, finding reliable artificial intelligence training meant sifting through expensive bootcamps or unverified YouTube playlists. But with the government’s major expansion of the AI Skills Boost programme, the landscape has changed. The target is now explicit: upskill 10 million UK workers by 2030.
Why does this matter to you? Because currently, only 21% of the workforce feels confident using AI tools, and just one in six businesses has fully adopted the technology [Source: ONS/DSIT, 2026].
If you sit outside that group, you risk falling behind.
This guide cuts through the policy jargon. We will show you exactly how to access free AI courses UK government platforms provide, earn the new AI Foundations Badge, and tap into the £27 million TechLocal funding if you run a business.
What is the AI Skills Boost Programme? (2026 Update)
The AI Skills Boost is no longer just a pilot scheme. Following the £187 million TechFirst investment, it has evolved into a national infrastructure project managed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
In 2025, the pilot phase saw modest success with basic introductory videos. The 2026 overhaul is different. It introduces a structured, benchmarked curriculum designed to move you from “zero knowledge” to “workplace ready.”
The initiative is built on partnerships with industry giants, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Cisco, Salesforce, and Sage. These companies provide the content, while the government provides the platform and the accreditation.
Key Stat: The government estimates that widespread AI adoption could add £140 billion to the UK economy. They are paying for your training because they need you to be productive.
Top Free AI Courses on the AI Skills Hub
The core of this initiative is the AI Skills Hub. This digital platform centralizes resources so you do not have to hunt across different provider websites. When you create a profile, you gain access to three distinct tiers of learning.
1. Foundational AI for Work (The “20-Minute” Modules)
These are designed for speed. If you have never used a chatbot or an image generator, start here. The hub hosts 14 initial modules that strip away the complex coding theory and focus on utility.
- Understanding Generative AI: A non-technical breakdown of how Large Language Models (LLMs) work.
- Responsible AI Use: Data privacy and ethics, crucial for anyone handling company data.
- The Basics of Prompting: How to talk to an AI to get the result you want the first time.
2. Practical Skills: Prompting, Drafting, and Admin Automation
Once you grasp the basics, the Hub directs you to “pathways” based on your job role. This is where the training becomes valuable for your CV.
| Course Focus | Partner Provider | Skill Gained | Time Commitment |
| Mastering Prompts | Google / DeepMind | Advanced instruction structure | 4 Hours |
| Admin Automation | Microsoft | Automating spreadsheets & email | 3 Hours |
| Cloud & AI | Amazon (AWS) | Cloud-based AI deployment | 6 Hours |
| Customer Service | Salesforce | AI chatbots for support | 5 Hours |
3. Sector-Specific Training: AI for NHS and Public Sector
Specialized roles require specialized tools. The Hub now integrates with the NHS Learning Hub to offer training on approved clinical tools.
For example, healthcare staff can access training on Minute AI, a tool being trialled to act as a digital scribe. This software listens to patient consultations (with consent) and auto-generates clinical notes, saving clinicians hours of admin work. Learning to use these tools is quickly becoming mandatory in many Trusts.
How to Earn the Virtual AI Foundations Badge
Certificates of completion are common. A government-backed benchmark is rare.
The 2026 update introduces the Virtual AI Foundations Badge. This isn’t just a “nice to have.” It is benchmarked by Skills England, the statutory body responsible for identifying national skills gaps.
Step-by-Step: Claiming Your Badge
- Register on the Hub: Sign up at the official AI Skills Hub portal using your National Insurance number (for funding validation).
- Complete the Core Pathway: You must finish the mandatory “Responsible AI” and “Data Literacy” modules.
- Pass the Assessment: Unlike the 2025 pilot, you must pass a final quiz that tests your understanding of the Skills England 6-domain criteria (Technical, Non-Technical, and Ethical application).
- Download & Display: Once verified, you receive a digital badge compatible with LinkedIn and digital CVs.
My Pro-Tip: Do not just list “AI Training” on your CV. Add the badge and a bullet point stating: “Certified against Skills England AI Benchmark (2026), Proficient in responsible AI application and admin automation.” This signals to employers that your skills are current and standardized.
TechLocal & SME Support: AI Training for Businesses
If you run a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME), the cost of training staff is often a barrier. The government is addressing this through the TechLocal scheme.
Launched alongside the hub, TechLocal is a £27 million fund specifically for local employers. The goal is to create 1,000 new tech jobs and support 2 million SME employees.
How to Access TechLocal Funding
- Grant Competitions: Starting February 2026, local business chambers and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) will administer grants.
- Placement Funding: You can apply for funding to support innovative AI degrees or graduate traineeships. This effectively subsidizes the cost of hiring a junior staff member to manage your digital transformation.
- Consultation: The scheme also funds free consultations to help you figure out where AI fits in your business model before you spend money on software.
Specialized Training: AI for Civil Servants
The government is also cleaning its own house. The “One Big Thing” initiative has evolved into the “AI for All” series for the Civil Service.
If you work in central or local government, you have access to internal pathways not always visible on the public hub. These focus heavily on Digital Transformation in Government.
- Introduction to AI in the Civil Service: Covers security clearance protocols for using AI.
- Building Practical AI Skills: Focuses on policy drafting and data analysis using internal government models.
According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), these courses are mandatory for specific grades to ensure the public sector keeps pace with the private sector.
Common Challenges: Why UK Workers Struggle with AI
Despite these resources, uptake can be slow. Why?
The “Coding” Myth
Many workers assume free AI courses UK government offers require Python or coding knowledge.
- Reality: The AI Skills Hub focuses on Low-Code/No-Code tools. You need to know how to ask questions (prompting), not how to write software.
The “Generic” Fear
Learners worry that free courses are too generic to be useful.
- Reality: The 2026 update specifically addresses this by offering role-based pathways (e.g., HR, Finance, Marketing) rather than just “AI for everyone.”
Lack of Time
- Reality: The modules are “chunked” into 15–20 minute segments. You can complete a module during a commute or a lunch break.
Conclusion
The launch of the expanded AI Skills Boost in January 2026 marked a turning point. AI literacy is no longer a niche skill for tech workers; it is a foundational skill for the entire UK economy.
Whether you are an SME owner looking to automate invoices, a career changer needing a competitive edge, or a civil servant aiming for promotion, the resources are there. The barrier to entry is gone.
Your Next Step:
Do not wait for your employer to mandate training. Visit the AI Skills Hub today, spend 20 minutes on the “Understanding Generative AI” module, and start your journey toward the AI Foundations Badge.
Future-proof your career now, before the standard rises again.
FAQs
Is the government AI training really free?
Yes. The AI Skills Boost courses provided through the official AI Skills Hub are fully funded by the government and industry partners. There are no hidden fees for the core modules or the AI Foundations Badge.
How do I get the AI Foundations Badge?
You must create an account on the AI Skills Hub, complete the designated “Core Pathway” modules, and pass the final assessment which benchmarks your skills against Skills England standards.
Are these AI courses recognized by UK employers?
Yes. Because the curriculum is developed with major tech firms (Microsoft, Google, Amazon) and benchmarked by Skills England, the badge carries significant weight with employers looking for validated digital skills.
Can I take these courses if I am currently unemployed?
Absolutely. The programme is open to every adult in the UK, including those looking for work. It is an excellent way to boost your CV while job hunting.
What is the TechLocal scheme for SMEs?
TechLocal is a £27 million government fund launched in 2026. It helps local businesses cover the costs of implementing AI and funds traineeships to bring new tech skills into small companies.
How long does it take to complete the AI Skills Boost training?
It varies. Individual modules take as little as 20 minutes. Completing a full pathway to earn the badge typically takes between 6 to 12 hours of study.
Do I need technical skills to start the AI Skills Hub courses?
No. The foundational courses are designed for absolute beginners. You do not need any coding or programming knowledge to start.
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