AI is taking over the world.  Well, maybe not literally (yet), but it’s shaking things up in ways we can’t ignore. The UK Government knows this and as such has recently dropped its AI action plan. This strategy aims to put the UK on the AI world map while ensuring we don’t leave our workforce behind. 

Have I got your attention yet?

For learning and development (L&D) teams, this is your cue to step up. Let’s talk about what’s in the plan and what it means for the people in charge of upskilling the nation.

What’s the AI Action Plan all about?

First things first, the government’s AI action plan is built on some key ideas. Here’s the gist:

1. Get the workforce AI-ready: AI is here to change how we work. The plan focuses on making sure people aren’t left in the dust. Think STEM skills, digital know-how and reskilling programmes.
2. AI for everyone: This isn’t about tech bros in hoodies ruling the world. The plan aims to make AI accessible to all, including groups usually left out. If we’re talking about inclusivity, it’s got to start here.
3. Do AI the right way: Ethics and transparency are buzzwords that actually matter. The government wants to ensure AI doesn’t turn into some dystopian nightmare by embedding ethical practices from the start.
4. Teamwork makes the dream work: Industry, academia and government are being called to play nice and work together. Collaboration is key if we’re going to nail this.
5. Learning never stops: AI is evolving at warp speed. Lifelong learning isn’t just a nice idea anymore; it’s a necessity.

What L&D teams should be doing right now

This AI action plan isn’t just a government to-do list. It’s a wake-up call for L&D professionals everywhere. If you’re in the business of developing people, here’s what you should be focusing on:

1. Spot the gaps before they swallow you whole

AI is rewriting job descriptions faster than we can keep up. The first step is to figure out what your people don’t know yet. Conduct a skills audit — not just a tick-box exercise but a real, honest look at where the gaps are. Think about the AI tools your industry uses (or should use) and get ahead of the curve.

2. AI literacy for everyone — no excuses

Let’s be clear: AI isn’t just for the IT crowd anymore. Everyone needs to know the basics, from what AI can do to where it’s still hopelessly flawed. Training should:

• Cut through the jargon
• Show practical examples of AI in action
• Help people understand how to work with, not against, AI
• Support hearts and minds, as well as knowledge and skills

3. Tailor training to real people

Not everyone needs to know how to code an algorithm. Focus on role-specific training:

• Leaders: Teach them how to make smart, ethical decisions about AI
• Tech teams: Deep dive into AI development and data science
• Everyone else: Get them comfortable using AI tools to make their jobs and lives easier

If the training isn’t relevant, people won’t care. End of story.

4. Don’t forget the human distinctive stuff

AI can crunch numbers, but it can’t replace human judgment (yet). That’s why soft skills are more important than ever. Think:

• Critical thinking to question AI outputs
• Emotional intelligence to keep human connections alive
• Learning agility because change isn’t slowing down

These are the skills that make humans indispensable in an AI-driven world.

5. Make learning a habit, not a one-off

AI isn’t static. If your training programmes are, you’ve already lost. Build a culture where learning is constant. Offer:

• Bite-sized, on-demand practical resources
• Regular updates to keep skills current
• Incentives for employees to take ownership of their learning journey

6. Talk about the dark side

AI isn’t all sunshine and rainbows; it comes with serious ethical challenges. The technology shines a light on age-old issues that are now even more serious due to our ability to share information instantaneously and not recall it when a mistake is made. Training needs to cover:

• Bias in algorithms
• Data privacy and security risks
• Who’s accountable when AI gets it wrong (you can’t reprimand those who haven’t received guidance)

This isn’t optional. If you ignore the ethical side, you’re setting your organisation up for a PR disaster.

Let’s cut to the chase

The UK’s AI action plan is a bold move, but it’s just a starting point. The real work lies in how organisations adapt and how L&D teams drive the change. This is your moment to turn buzzwords into real action, and ensure your workforce is fully equipped for what’s ahead.

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This article was written in collaboration with ChatGPT 4o on 6^th January 2025. The content here is inspired by the UK Government's AI Action Plan, official policy documents, and broader discussions in the learning and development field regarding the impact of AI on workforce skills. For specifics on the government’s AI Action Plan, I recommend referring directly to the most recent publications from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology or other authoritative sources on UK government policy.