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.

✨Get involved!

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

Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

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

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