IBM has launched the expansion of IBM SkillsBuild, its free global technology education programme, with a new artificial intelligence (AI) learning pathway designed to equip individuals across all career stages.
The free training modules will support the British workforce from entry-level employees to senior leaders and policymakers, helping people across all communities gain access to the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
As a founding partner of the UK government’s AI skills hub, IBM is providing IBM SkillsBuild courses to help expand access to high-quality, workforce-ready AI training at scale.
The new AI learning pathway builds on IBM’s ongoing partnership with the UK government’s AI skills boost initiative, which aims to upskill 10 million UK workers by 2030.
According to IBM’s 2025 CEO Study, 77% of CEOs expect positive ROI from scaled AI growth investments, but 30% of the workforce will require retraining or reskilling in the next three years.
IBM says building an AI‑skilled workforce plays a key role for organisations to realise the value of emerging technologies and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
“AI is transforming every industry and opening up new opportunities to innovate and unlock value,” says Leon Butler, chief executive at IBM UKI.
“With this expanded IBM SkillsBuild pathway, we are helping to build a workforce that understands why digital technologies will be critical to accelerating adoption and realising AI’s full potential for business and society. This highlights IBM’s support in the government’s ambition to scale AI skills across the UK workforce.”
