Department For Science

An £800,000 AI Upskilling Challenge Fund opens to support Barnsley workers, businesses and residents in developing AI skills as part of the Barnsley Tech Town initiative. Organisations across the UK are invited to propose innovative training programmes targeting key local groups, including manufacturing workers, small businesses and older residents. Successful proposals will be delivered in Barnsley and may inform wider national efforts to equip 10 million UK workers with AI skills by 2030. Local leaders and businesses highlight the programme’s role in boosting productivity, strengthening digital capabilities and supporting inclusive economic growth, with funded projects required to show potential for national scalability.