UK Quantum Skills Taskforce Report Sets Vision to Build World-Leading Quantum Workforce

The UK Government is recognising that skills is at the heart of the global race to commercialise quantum technologies through the recent publication of its Quantum Skills Taskforce Report. The recently published UK Quantum Skills Taskforce report highlights the vital role that a well-prepared and highly skilled workforce will play in converting quantum potential into economic and societal impact. 

Key Takeaways from the Report 

1. Urgent Need for a Skilled Workforce 

The quantum sector is undergoing rapid growth, creating an urgent demand for skilled professionals. The report identifies a significant skills gap, with global demand for quantum scientists and engineers projected to exceed one million by 2025.  

2. Strategic Recommendations for Skill Development 

To address this shortfall, the Taskforce proposes several initiatives: 

• Expansion of Educational Programmes 
  Universities are encouraged to introduce and grow quantum-related courses. For example, the University of Edinburgh has launched a Quantum Computing MSc programme, and the University of Cambridge offers an MPhil in Quantum Systems Engineering (Quantum Zeitgeist, GOV.UK, UK Parliament). 
• Government Initiatives 
  The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has established the National Quantum Computing Centre, providing funding for research and development in quantum computing. In addition, the UK’s Quantum Technologies Challenge, a £20 million fund, supports innovative projects to advance new quantum technologies (Quantum Zeitgeist, GOV.UK). 
• Industry–Academia Collaboration 
  Partnerships between universities and quantum technology companies are being developed to provide students with practical experience in the field. Notably, the University of Bristol has partnered with Rigetti Computing to establish a quantum engineering research centre (Quantum Zeitgeist). 

3. Government Commitment to Quantum Technologies 

The UK government has pledged £2.5 billion over the next decade to develop quantum technologies, as part of the National Quantum Strategy, aiming to establish the UK as a global leader in the sector. This investment will support research and development, infrastructure, and skills training, integrating quantum technologies into the UK's digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing base (Great.gov.uk, UKRI, GOV.UK, Quantum Zeitgeist).

4. Recommendations for Future Action 

The Taskforce calls for a coordinated national approach to skill development involving collaboration between government, academia and industry. Key recommendations include: 

• Development of a National Skills Strategy 
  To align educational programmes with industry needs and ensure a consistent pipeline of talent. 
• Expansion of Apprenticeship and Placement Opportunities 
  To provide hands-on experience and facilitate smoother transitions into the workforce. 
• Public Awareness Campaigns 
  To highlight career opportunities in the quantum sector and attract a diverse range of individuals. 

By implementing these actions, the UK aims to cultivate a robust quantum workforce that will drive innovation and sustain the nation's competitive advantage in the global quantum technology landscape. 

🔗Read the full report here

Reflecting on the findings of the UK Quantum Skills Taskforce report, techUK’s Director of Technology and Innovation, Sue Daley OBE, said: 

The UK is entering a critical phase in the move towards commercialising quantum technologies. At the heart of this journey is empowering businesses to have the right skills to leverage this exciting technology. That is why techUK welcomed the opportunity to join the Quantum Skills Taskforce and help shape the Quantum Skills Report announced today by the UK Government.

This report outlines actionable steps to cultivate talent through investment in education, apprenticeships, and industry collaboration. With these recommendations we can ensure the UK remains at the forefront of quantum innovation and secures its position as a global leader in this transformative field as we move towards commercialisation.

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The voice of the UK tech sector is shaping UK Quantum policy 

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Sue Daley OBE

Director, Technology and Innovation

Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.  This includes work programmes on AI, Cloud, Data, Quantum, Semiconductors, Digital ID and Digital ethics 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 also been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame. 

A key influencer in driving forward the tech agenda in the UK, in December 2025 Sue was appointed to the UK Government’s Women in Tech Taskforce by the Technology Secretary of State. She also sits on the UK Government’s Smart Data Council, Satellite Applications Catapult Advisory Group, Bank of England’s AI Consortium and BSI’s Digital Strategic Advisory Group. Previously, Sue was a member of the Independent Future of Compute Review and co-chaired the National Data Strategy Forum. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries in 2020, Sue has been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and has been a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI, the UK Tech 50 and annual UK Cloud Awards. She is a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security.

Prior to joining techUK in January 2015, Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland.  Before that, 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 Master’s Degree in 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

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