AI: Workforce Training

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch Excerpts

Monday 3rd November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for reminding us of the great work of our former Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the Open University. The Government support modern, flexible learning to cater to diverse learners right across the UK. Many universities already offer fully online postgraduate courses in AI. To expand this, we are also introducing the lifelong learning entitlement, LLE, launching in January 2027, which is designed to help people study in ways that fit their lives, especially mature learners looking to retrain or upskill. We are also working with stakeholders, including the Open University, which the noble Lord mentioned, to shape policy and raise awareness. The LLE will make it easier to access education throughout life, wherever and whenever it is needed.

[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab)]

My Lords, it is a real challenge to get the workforce in the 5 million or so SMEs to embrace the advantages of AI while obviously understanding the pitfalls as well. What are the Government doing to make sure that SMEs do not get left behind in the technology race?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for highlighting the many challenges faced by SMEs. The Government are actively supporting SMEs in adopting AI through Innovate UK’s flagship programme, BridgeAI. This initiative targets sectors with low AI adoption but with high growth potential, including construction, transport, logistics, warehousing, agriculture and the creative industries. BridgeAI provides SMEs with funding, expert advice and support to address technical and commercial skills gaps. To build trust, we have also published the AI management essentials, which help SMEs assess and strengthen their AI governance. This guidance is being updated to better meet industry needs and will serve as a practical tool for responsible AI adoption.