Google rolls out AI Works for Britain as 76 percent of Brits say they feel stuck in career progression
Google has launched AI Works for Britain, a UK-wide AI upskilling initiative designed to help people move from basic use of AI tools to more advanced, practical applications.
The program, announced by Kate Alessi, Vice President at Google and Managing Director of Google UK & Ireland, brings together public training, university engagement, and community-based delivery models.
The initiative is informed by new research commissioned by Google, which finds that 76 percent of people in the UK feel “stuck” relative to where they want to be. It also highlights a gap between access and capability, with 65 percent of people using AI tools but only one in ten identifying as advanced users.
Research points to gap between access and impact
Alessi shared details of the initiative in a LinkedIn post and accompanying article, pointing to what she described as “invisible barriers” affecting progression, including limited access to networks, mentorship, and professional confidence.
She wrote that while AI tools are widely available, many people are not yet using them to their full potential. The research shows that only a quarter of users feel they are gaining significant value, such as applying new skills or saving meaningful amounts of time.
AI is already influencing behavior. The research indicates that 75 percent of people aged 25 to 34 say having access to AI tools increases their confidence to apply for roles that previously felt out of reach.
Nationwide rollout across public, education, and community settings
The AI Works for Britain program will be delivered through a mix of public-facing and institutional channels. This includes “Squeeze the Juice” pop-up training spaces in cities such as Leeds, Liverpool, and Birmingham, where participants can learn how to apply AI to tasks such as automating administrative work and structuring content from notes.
Google is also extending AI training into higher education through a university tour focused on Gemini, alongside funding provided through Google.org to organizations including INCO and Chance UK. These programs will support students with practical AI skills, career coaching, and access to professional networks.
Additional delivery will target communities experiencing digital exclusion. Google.org funding will support The Good Things Foundation in providing foundational AI skills, while existing partnerships with the Department for Work and Pensions will continue to deliver AI-related training through Jobcentre-based programs.
Focus on progression and workforce relevance
The initiative places emphasis on how AI skills connect to employment outcomes, including career progression, job transitions, and business creation. Google’s research suggests that around 40 percent of people expect AI skills to be essential for staying competitive in their roles or moving into new opportunities within the next three years.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall says: “Where you come from should never determine where you end up. But for too many people, background still acts as a barrier to progression and opportunity. We're committed to ensuring everyone, in every part of the country, has the skills and confidence to seize the opportunities AI brings. If we want AI to work for Britain, then we need Britons able to work with AI.”
The program includes nearly £2 million in Google.org funding, with delivery designed to reach people across different regions and stages of employment. The approach combines short-form, task-based learning with longer-term skills development, with a focus on applying AI tools in everyday contexts.
