AI Upskilling Challenge Fund to help workers, businesses and residents build AI skills as part of the Barnsley Tech Town.
The government is making £800,000 available to organisations that can deliver innovative AI training to local workers, businesses and residents as part of its Barnsley Tech Town initiative.
The UK’s most ambitious training providers, businesses, colleges and charities are invited to submit their boldest ideas to help Barnsley residents and workers benefit from AI technology. The focus is on those who might otherwise miss out as this tech transforms the workplace – but could include helping manufacturers to make greater use of AI on the factory floor, supporting small businesses to grow, helping older residents to build digital confidence, and equipping young people with the skills they need for jobs of the future.
In this initial phase, the government is looking for projects to be delivered in Barnsley. But the best ideas could then inform similar programmes across the UK, as part of a wider ambition to equip 10mworkers with AI skills by 2030, helping local people to develop practical AI skills and businesses to harness new technology, boost productivity and stay competitive.
Applications will be open from Wednesday, July 15, to Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Full details on how to apply, including eligibility criteria, will be posted on the ‘Find a grant’ page of GOV.UK.
Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister for AI and Online Safety, says: ‘When we launched Barnsley Tech Town we made a promise that the opportunities created by AI would be felt by workers and communities across the town, not just those already ahead. Now we’re throwing down a challenge to the country’s most ambitious and creative training providers, businesses, colleges and charities – bring us your boldest ideas for helping the people of Barnsley build the skills they need to take advantage of AI.
‘Whether it’s helping manufacturers boost productivity, supporting small businesses to grow, or giving workers the confidence to embrace new technology, we want ideas that can make a real difference. The best solutions won’t just help people in Barnsley – they could become a blueprint for how Britain equips a generation with the skills of the future.’
Cllr Andy Cudworth, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets at Barnsley Council, adds: ‘This investment as part of Barnsley’s Tech Town status is another important step in delivering our vision for Barnsley’s future. It supports Barnsley Council’s ambition to become the UK’s leading digital town, helps future-proof our world-class logistics and manufacturing sectors, and ensures that communities across the borough can benefit from the opportunities that growth brings.
‘By investing in innovation, skills and infrastructure, we are creating the conditions for businesses and residents to thrive.’
Photo by Igor Omilaev / Unsplash.
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