Free AI & cyber courses launched to close skills gap
The Open University and the Institute of Coding have launched free artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber courses aimed at addressing the digital skills gap and enhancing employment opportunities among young adults.
The new collaboration will provide complimentary courses to over 6,000 individuals aged 18 to 30 across the UK, targeting those from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those who face barriers to social mobility. This initiative is part of the Click Start programme, supported by Nominet, designed to offer digital skills training and employability resources.
Studies indicate that the digital skills gap is pressing, with 60% of employers predicting an increased need for advanced digital capabilities. Furthermore, businesses increasingly use AI, with 72% currently integrating such technologies into their operations. Despite this, a significant portion of the UK workforce lacks the essential digital skills for contemporary workplaces.
The programme also plans to address social mobility barriers by offering courses such as Cyber Foundations and Getting Started with Generative AI, which require no prior experience. Learners will have opportunities to further their expertise with globally recognised certifications, including the Cisco Certified Support Technician Cyber Security and the PCEP Certified Entry Level Python Programmer courses.
Participants will be awarded digital badges to substantiate their new skills to potential employers. Additionally, the programme will run webinars featuring industry experts, providing insights into job vacancies and career progression.
The Director of the Institute of Coding, Rachid Hourizi, commented, "AI and broader digital skills are becoming increasingly important to the wider economy and a digitally skilled workforce is vital to unlock economic growth. The Institute of Coding is committed to ensuring that those who want to pursue a tech-based career have the skills needed to flourish and embrace the opportunities a digital economy offers."
Jane Dickinson, Digital Skills Lead at The Open University, stated, "At the Open University, our mission is to ensure everyone can access high quality education regardless of where they are and pursue their career ambitions. The UK faces a digital skills shortage, and the younger generation is not exempt. By reaching over 6,000 18-25-year-olds through the Institute of Coding's Click Start programme, we will boost digital skills and bring new talent into the UK economy."
David Carroll, Chief Customer Officer at Nominet, remarked, "With the growing digital skills gap in the UK, having cyber and AI skills isn't just a bonus – it's a must. These skills help the nation's organisations protect their data, work more efficiently, and innovate. The Open University's amazing programme is designed to meet the needs of people from all walks of life, helping them step into digital careers. This not only helps learners move up the career ladder and land better-paying jobs, but by building a workforce skilled in cybersecurity and AI, we're shaping a secure and prosperous future for the UK."
The initiative not only focuses on technical skills but also strengthens employability through resources such as CV writing, interview techniques, and critical soft skills like teamwork and communication.