Amazon Web Services (AWS) is expanding its Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance to the United Kingdom, with an ambitious goal to train 100,000 people in artificial intelligence (AI) skills by 2030.
The initiative is designed to prepare learners for entry-level technology jobs by bridging the digital skills gap that continues to challenge UK employers.
Under the programme, AWS will collaborate with schools, universities, businesses, and government bodies to offer a mix of online courses, real-world challenges, hands-on learning, and direct connections to employers. Key focus areas include AI, cybersecurity, and big data—fields in high demand as the digital economy rapidly evolves.
The UK launch comes amid new research commissioned by AWS and conducted by Strand Partners, which found that nearly half (47%) of new jobs in the country will require AI knowledge within the next three years. However, 41% of employers report difficulty in finding workers with adequate digital skills.
Further highlighting the urgency, the research reveals that AI adoption is accelerating across the UK, with one business integrating AI every minute. More than half (52%) of UK companies now use AI, a sharp rise from 39% the previous year. Still, 46% of businesses say the lack of digital talent is slowing their growth.
“Removing barriers to accessing digital skills training is critical for helping the UK to become a digital leader,” said John Davies, Managing Director for AWS UK, Germany, and international public sector organisations.
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“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.”
AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark welcomed the move, stating: “We need to make sure that students and young people in every community have the skills they need to explore successful, long-lasting careers in tech. The AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance will be key to that effort, helping us deliver a modern digital government fit for the future.”
The programme, which launched globally in 2023, has already partnered with more than 990 schools and 780 employers across countries including the United States, Spain, and Germany. The UK expansion forms part of AWS’s broader commitment to investing in workforce development and tech talent across the country.
