SAS, a leader in data and AI, has backed a government initiative to provide 7.5 million UK workers with essential AI and tech skills over the next 5 years. This is part of the Plan for Change as well as the Industrial Strategy to embed digital and AI into the UK workforce. SAS, as an anchor partner in the government’s skills program, will offer businesses free training materials and give them access to their AI experts.
On June 9, PM Sir Keir announced a government-industry collaboration with the aim of equipping 20% of UK workers with AI skills to enable them to interact and use the latest technology. GenAI apps such as Chat GPT and Grok have been used by millions of workers in the UK.
SAS is one of eleven leading technology companies that have joined the partnership. They are committed to providing high-quality, free training materials to UK workers, large and small, in the next five year period.
The training will be geared towards helping workers understand AI systems, such as chatbots and big language models, to increase productivity in a variety of different roles. Sector-specific training is also being developed to meet the requirements of various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.
Glyn Townsend is the Senior Director of Education Services for SAS EMEA. He said that artificial intelligence was reshaping UK work more quickly than any other technology. This has been happening across five generations. We must equip all workers, from apprentices through to the elderly, to take advantage of the new opportunities that this revolution brings. This includes leveraging innovative technologies developed by our world-leading entrepreneurs and universities. We will provide equal access to skills that are essential for meaningful careers and sustainable economic growth by supporting this program.
Nicky Furlong is the Head of Public Sector Health & Life Sciences at SAS Northern Europe. She added: “SAS’s long-standing partnership with the UK Government plus education has been at the core of SAS – since the company was founded nearly 50 years ago, to global initiatives such as our collaboration with Commonwealth Secretariat and the deep association with more than 120 UK Universities where SAS has become embedded in the curriculum. Our approach is based on the principle that AI innovation must be trustworthy and responsible; designed to benefit society fairly and ensure that AI benefits are accessible to all.
SAS and other technology partners have met with Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary to discuss the program’s 2030 target.
SAS, which was founded in the late 60s, has always believed that thriving economies require access to skilled workers. SAS has been a champion of AI and data skill development in the UK for many years through its various initiatives and partnerships.
SAS offers free online courses in “Data Literacy Essentials” and “Responsible Innovation & Trustworthy AI”, the latter of which has been approved by the European Commission for general use.
SAS has long-standing relationships with UK universities where it provides free software and curriculum materials to students and academics. SAS is licensed by the Russell Group, a group of 24 research intensive universities in the UK. SAS is also licensed by 50 other UK Universities for research and teaching purposes. The company has partnered with University of Cambridge’s Maxwell Centre to help drive healthcare innovation via its Advanced Analytics Hub. This hub embeds AI expertise in order to support researchers and startup companies.
SAS’ Future Analysts program, in partnership with The Talent Foundry equips youth in disadvantaged areas to learn AI software and earn digital badges. In March 2021 SAS launched its SAS STEP, a successful reskilling initiative and employment initiative that empowers the UK and Ireland workforce with data-driven skills in order to recover from the pandemic. The SAS STEP programme, which was launched in March 2021, is a free reskilling and employment initiative that empowers the UK and Ireland’s workforce with data skills to rebuild from the pandemic.
The SAS Curiosity Cup, an annual global competition for students to demonstrate their skills and showcase their AI expertise by submitting their team project of choice is held every year.
SAS also donated PS8m to the Commonwealth AI Consortium for AI training, access to AI software, and computing power to support 10,000 students and teachers in higher education.
SAS, the UK’s leading AI company, was named the leader in AI by four analysts in 2024.
To find out more about the Government’s industry-led partnership to equip UK workers with essential AI skills, you can read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-launches-national-skills-drive-to-unlock-opportunities-for-young-people-in-tech
The original version of this article, SAS will provide free AI training as part of a national initiative to equip 7.5 millions workers with essential AI skills and tech, appeared first on Human Resources News.
