Amazon is expanding its AI skills training programme to the UK.

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance aims to provide 100,000 people with AI skills by 2030.

The programme aims to address a growing need for AI skills and tech job readiness across the UK, which Amazon said combines a mix of industry-validated content, hands-on experience, and direct connections to employers, to give learners technical skills and practical exposure to the industry.

According to research from Strand Partners commissioned by AWS, it is expected that AI literacy will be a requirement for round 47 per cent of new UK jobs over the next three years.

However, around 40 per cent of UK organisations say they are struggling to hire people who have the necessary digital skills.

Since the programme launched in 2023, over 990 educational institutions and 780 employers have participated globally in countries including the US, Spain, and Germany.

In the UK educational institutions, including the University of Exeter and the University of Manchester, will be joining the scheme.

They will be given access to AWS resources to update their existing programmes, with Amazon saying employers including Accenture and Deloitte will provide industry insights on the essential technical and professional competencies needed for emerging tech careers.

“Removing barriers to accessing digital skills training is critical for helping the UK to become a digital leader," said John Davies, managing director UK, Germany & international organisations, public sector at AWS. “We are delighted to launch the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance in the UK to address the digital skills gap by creating flexible, accessible training programmes for students looking to pursue a career in technology.”

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