Building the Future-Ready Workforce: AI Fluency Is the New Literacy
As AI reshapes our world faster than we imagined, the question we face isn’t whether we need an AI-ready workforce — it’s how quickly we can build one that’s inclusive, imaginative, and equipped for what’s next.
We believe this shift is about reimagining the entire talent lifecycle, from nursery to boardroom. That’s why, when asked to contribute to techUK’s spotlight on the UK’s AI ecosystem, I brought together colleagues from across disciplines to co-create our collective view. What emerged was clear: technical skills for the future are vital, but they’re not enough for an AI world.
AI isn’t the future. It’s here — and accelerating.
“The rapid adoption and rate of change is phenomenal,” said David Wilson, a technical consultant. “When I first started exploring AI, I thought AGI was 20 years away. Now I think it could be five.”
This acceleration is already transforming job markets. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 shows the most in-demand skills are not technical or literacy. Analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, and curiosity top the list. These are not ’nice-to-haves' — they are critical for navigating an AI-infused economy.
As AI continues to evolve and take on more tasks, the role of human input is shifting. In this new landscape, meaning and purpose are becoming the key motivators- especially for younger generations, who may be asking “What’s the point?”. AI can feel like just another obstacle, but those who are grounded in a strong sense of why will be the ones who adapt, thrive and find their place.
Creativity and STEM
One of the most thought-provoking tensions that emerged in our workshop was between investing in creativity versus technical STEM proficiency. Some argued, reasonably, that AI development demands strong foundations in maths, data science, and engineering. As one colleague put it, “In a tight fiscal environment, prioritising vocational STEM training offers more immediate return.”
But others challenged that view. “We don’t need more professional artists,” said Joanna Finlay, Consulting Manager, “but we do need kids to do music, dance, art — because it makes their brains more agile and imaginative.”
I agree. These creative capacities are what AI can’t (yet) replicate — but exactly what we need to design the ethical, intuitive, and inclusive tech of the future.
Consulting Manager Mark Henderson captured this perfectly:
“An AI-ready workforce might actually be 80% AI. So the human 20%? That better be exceptional. It had better be creative, ethical, and curious — or we’ll just be dominated by the tools we’ve built.”
Collectively we explored a future that isn't STEM or arts — maybe it’s Createch: the fusion of creativity and technology. As Charles Landry, a leading international authority on the use of imagination and creativity in urban change, says, “Distinctions between ‘cultural’, ‘creative’ and ‘digital’ enterprises are fast eroding.” This interplay must start early — and it must be deliberate.
Start young. Upskill wide. Embed learning for life.
Our collective view is simple: we need to start early, learn differently, and adapt constantly.
“AI should be taught at primary school,” said Jonathan Cave, Consulting Manager. “It’s as important now as maths and english.” Fellow Consulting Manager, Selina Satchell agreed: “There’s a chunk of development before primary school — nursery even — where kids are already engaging with AI-powered tools.”
But education alone won’t bridge the gap. We must rethink learning across the workforce. That means:
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Accessible reskilling now for those at risk of being left behind.
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Just-in-time training to keep pace with evolving tools.
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Critical thinking and ethical reasoning as core competencies.
We also need to govern AI learning itself. “Who decides what’s fact in an AI-generated world, and what should be taught?” asked Jonathan. "It raises important questions about how we teach truth, trust, and technology in the age of AI."
Our call to action: Invest in humans as well as the tech
AI is already changing the way we work and live. To stay ahead, the UK must invest in people — not just technology.
Here’s what we need to do:
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Start early with AI education, creativity and STEM, making sure children learn how to use and understand AI from the start.
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Help businesses give all workers access to just-in-time on-the-job learning, so no one gets left behind.
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Make AI learning part of everyday life, not just something you do at the start of your career.
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Teach people to think critically about AI, so they can use it wisely and ask the right questions.
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Create a holistic approach to education, including preparing society for the impacts of AI, and not just the skills in isolation.
The AI era demands more than technical know-how. It demands human ingenuity. Let’s build a workforce that’s technically confident, creatively alive, and critically prepared for what’s next.
techUK - Seizing the AI Opportunity
The UK is a global leader in AI innovation, development and adoption.
The economic growth and productivity gain that AI can unlock is vast, but to fully harness this transformative opportunity, immediate action is required. Our aim is to ensure the UK seizes the opportunities presented by AI technology and continues to be a world leader in AI development.
Get involved: techUK runs a busy calendar of activities including events, reports, and insights to demonstrate some of the most significant AI opportunities for the UK. Our AI Hub is where you will find details of all upcoming activity. We also send a monthly AI newsletter which you can subscribe to here.
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Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
Sue Daley OBE
Sue Daley OBE
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2055
- Twitter:
- @ChannelSwimSue,@ChannelSwimSue
Tess Buckley
Tess Buckley
A digital ethicist and musician, Tess holds a MA in AI and Philosophy, specialising in ableism in biotechnologies. Their professional journey includes working as an AI Ethics Analyst with a dataset on corporate digital responsibility, followed by supporting the development of a specialised model for sustainability disclosure requests. Currently at techUK as programme manager in digital ethics and AI safety, Tess focuses on demystifying and operationalising ethics through assurance mechanisms and standards. Their primary research interests encompass AI music systems, AI fluency, and technology created by and for differently abled individuals. Their overarching goal is to apply philosophical principles to make emerging technologies both explainable and ethical.
Outside of work Tess enjoys kickboxing, ballet, crochet and jazz music.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- tessbuckley.me
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tesssbuckley/
Laura Foster
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster
Nimmi Patel
Nimmi Patel
Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She is currently taking part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07805744520
- Twitter:
- @nimmiptl
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimmi-patel1/
Audre Verseckaite
Audre Verseckaite
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Edward Emerson
Edward Emerson
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-emerson-009189183
Heather Cover-Kus
Heather Cover-Kus
Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.
Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cover-kus-ba636538
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Becky Davis
Becky’s key purpose is to help government organisations understand their customers and their business better, so she can be able to deliver personalised consulting solutions that make a real difference to people. At Sopra Steria she helps her clients to articulate and deliver their vision of the future; redesigning their services/products to deliver real value, making the most of technology, but primarily shifting their cultures and practices to achieve their ambitions.