The government is to open applications for the AI Upskilling Challenge Fund, inviting organisations to deliver innovative AI training to help Barnsley workers, businesses and residents build AI skills. In February, Barnsley was named by the government as the UK’s first ‘Tech Town’, a new designation that will see a
Kirstie Pickering
The government is to open applications for the AI Upskilling Challenge Fund, inviting organisations to deliver innovative AI training to help Barnsley workers, businesses and residents build AI skills.
In February, Barnsley was named by the government as the UK’s first ‘Tech Town’, a new designation that will see a more deliberate effort made to support its rollout of AI.
With a focus on those who might otherwise miss out as technology transforms the workplace, these indicatives could help manufacturers make greater use of AI on the factory floor, support small businesses to grow, help older residents build digital confidence, and equip young people looking to enter the job market with the skills they need for jobs of the future.
The government is calling on organisations ranging from training providers and charities to colleges and technology companies from across the UK to bring forward ideas, with successful projects to be delivered in Barnsley and be awarded a share of the £800k fund.
Funded projects must demonstrate the potential to be scaled across the UK and evaluation findings will feed into broader government efforts, including the commitment to equip 10 million UK workers with AI skills by 2030.
Priority groups include workers in key local sectors such as manufacturing, older residents and entry-level workers for whom existing free provision may be insufficient.
“When we launched Barnsley Tech Town, we made a promise that the opportunities created by AI would be felt by workers and communities across the town, not just those already ahead,” says Kanishka Narayan, minister for AI and online safety.
“Now, we’re throwing down a challenge to the country’s most ambitious and creative training providers, businesses, colleges and charities – bring us your boldest ideas for helping the people of Barnsley build the skills they need to take advantage of AI.”
Applications are open on July 15 via the government’s Find a Grant platform and will close on August 12. Successful applicants will be identified in September.
