SAS joins national AI skills drive to train 7.5 million workers across the UK over next five years
SAS has joined a UK government initiative aimed at equipping 7.5 million workers with essential artificial intelligence and technology skills over the next five years.
The analytics and AI software company will provide free training resources and access to its experts as part of a wider strategy to embed AI literacy across sectors, from healthcare to manufacturing.
Government-industry collaboration targets GenAI skills
Unveiled by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on 9 June, the public-private partnership brings together eleven tech companies to address a growing digital skills gap. The government says the program supports its upcoming Industrial Strategy and commits to building a workforce fluent in technologies such as generative AI.
Estimates suggest more than seven million UK workers are already using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini. The new training program will focus on demystifying such systems, enabling staff to work with AI-powered platforms and large language models.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping work faster than any previous technology, and doing so across an unprecedented five distinct generations active in the UK labor market,” says Glyn Townsend, senior director of education services at SAS EMEA. “By backing this program, we will ensure equitable access to the skills that drive both meaningful careers and sustainable growth.”
Free access to courses and education tools
SAS has pledged to support businesses by offering free foundational courses in ‘Data Literacy Essentials’ and ‘Responsible Innovation and Trustworthy AI’, the latter approved for general use by the European Commission.
The company’s participation also builds on its existing work in UK education. SAS collaborates with more than 120 universities, including members of the Russell Group, where its software is embedded in the curriculum.
“SAS has long-standing partnerships with the UK government plus education has always been at the heart of SAS — from the company’s origins nearly 50 years ago to global initiatives like our collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat,” says Nicky Furlong, head of public sector, health and life sciences, SAS Northern Europe. “Our approach is grounded in the principle that innovation in AI must be responsible and trustworthy; designed to serve society fairly, and ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to everyone.”
Broad education outreach and workforce reskilling
The company also supports a range of national education and reskilling efforts. These include the Future Analysts program with The Talent Foundry, and SAS STEP, a free training scheme developed during the pandemic to rebuild data skills across the UK and Ireland.
In 2024, SAS partnered with the Commonwealth AI Consortium, donating £8 million in AI software, training, and computing resources to support 10,000 students and educators.
SAS was recently recognized by four analyst firms as a leader in AI, machine learning, data science, and decision intelligence. Its involvement in the skills drive comes as it continues to host student hackathons and competitions like the SAS Curiosity Cup, designed to foster practical AI capabilities among young people.
