UK Introduces AI Training Courses for Civil Servants

The UK Government has launched nine new artificial intelligence (AI) training courses for civil servants to enhance digital skills and improve efficiency across the public sector. The nine courses will be led by the Cabinet Office and Government Skills to prepare civil servants for the growing impact of AI in government operations.

The nine courses available to civil servants include:

1. AI: Fundamentals

2. AI: Understanding AI Ethics

3. AI: The Business Value of AI

4. AI: Gen AI Tools and Applications

5. AI: Working with Large Language Models

6. AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning

7. AI: Natural Language Processing and Speech Recognition

8. AI: Computer Vision

9. AI: Technical Curriculum

Evidently, the training will cover all key areas, equipping staff with the skills needed to effectively use AI technologies within government departments.

Michael Thornton, Senior Director of Public Sector at Investigo, praised the initiative, stating, “Artificial intelligence can be a huge driver of efficiency across the public sector, saving civil servants upwards of tens of hours a week each. It’s therefore encouraging to see the government launching new AI courses for civil servants, covering key areas such as ethics and generative AI tools that can greatly boost productivity.”

Thornton also added, “By bringing in specialized talent alongside AI skills training, the public sector can ensure the smooth rollout of AI technologies while transferring crucial knowledge to civil servants to maintain these systems.”

As per an official update, these courses will replace the existing seven courses in the Generative AI suite, which will be removed on October 4 this year.

Further, the new courses are being offered in various formats, including video, interactive, and written formats, allowing flexibility to learners.