BUILDING THE UKs AI TALENT PIPELINE - PART OF A LONG-TERM PLAN FOR EDUCATION

This week, the Government unveiled its ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’, announcing ￡1 million to develop AI tools for teacher feedback and marking - a?promising step toward driving higher education standards.

Key highlights from the Action Plan show both progress and challenges:

• UK Leads in AI Graduates: 46,000 AI-related graduates in 2022—the highest in Europe - but we lag behind countries like Finland on a per capita basis.
• Boost Industry-Ready Skills: Universities must co-design AI courses with industry, following global success models like Canada’s University of Waterloo.
• Diversity Matters: Only 22% of AI workers are women. Initiatives like hackathons and school competitions can help diversify the talent pipeline.
• Expand Pathways: Promote apprenticeships, upskilling?and alternative routes into AI careers.
• AI Scholarships: Launch a flagship program akin to Rhodes or Fulbright to support exceptional talent with mentorship, placements?and financial aid.
• Lifelong Learning: Prepare for AI’s workforce impact by adopting reskilling models from countries like Singapore and South Korea.

At the FED, we welcome this focus and investment in AI. Our consultations, as part of the 6 FED National Education Futures Projects, reinforce AI’s transformative potential.

During our recent 24 hour consultation at Windsor Castle, we explored AI’s role in enhancing learning while addressing challenges like ethics, equity?and environmental impact. The message was clear: AI must complement educators, protect data privacy, reduce bias?and ensure equitable access for all learners.

Our Call to Action: Develop AI systems that empower teachers, foster trust?and promote inclusivity, while tackling inequalities and supporting sustainable education. The FED is building building an effective AI toolkit that addressing the needs of educators, learners?and leaders while aligning with existing educational practices.

FED will?be at BETT next week.??Don’t miss Dr Carl Ward , joined by Stuart Walker, Emma Darcy, Cheryl Shirley?and Dean Mohamedally, for a must-see panel at BETT: 'Cut Through the Hype on AI: A Panel Discussion on Innovation, Impact, and Policy' on Wednesday, 22nd January between 12.00pm-12.30pm

Save the date! On Tuesday 4th March between 3-5pm we will be hosting alongside The University of Greater Manchester (formerly Bolton University) 'Unleashing Greatness: A Seminar for School Leaders’ on Tuesday 4th March between 3-5pm.

Join Professor David Hopkins?for an insightful discussion on tackling one of the most pressing challenges in education:?Why is it that despite the phenomenal increase in our recent knowledge about what works in schooling, standards still lag behind expectations and school level performance is far too variable?Tickets will be released next week!

Remember you can also join us for a free breakfast seminar, in partnership with Hays Education,?entitled?‘Liverpool City Region Long-Term Skills Plan’.?Join?Mayor Steve Rotheram?and?Sir Paul Grant?for a thought-provoking conversation about the skills required to build a healthy and prosperous future for the?Liverpool City Region on Tuesday 4th February. Click here for more information.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events.