The UK's ambition to "seize" the opportunity presented by artificial intelligence risks falling short unless urgent action is taken to address a growing skills gap, according to Strive Training, following comments from Liz Kendall this week.

Kendall's remarks came as the government confirmed its first investments from a £500 million sovereign AI fund, aimed at backing British companies and accelerating innovation in the sector.

According to Jonny Phillips, Managing Director at UK training provider Strive Training, "the reality is that we have a capability gap. Businesses understand the potential of AI, but many don't yet have the skills internally to implement it effectively. At the same time, workers are being told to embrace AI without being given the training to do so."

Kendall urged the public to embrace AI and "make it work for Britain", positioning the technology as central to economic growth, job creation, and solving major global challenges.

The investment includes stakes in UK AI firms as well as access to government funded supercomputing resources for startups developing next generation technologies, signalling a clear shift towards scaling domestic AI capability and strengthening the UK's position as a global leader in the field.

However, while policy and investment are moving quickly, capability on the ground is not keeping pace. Many organisations are already exploring AI adoption, but a lack of practical, job ready skills is slowing implementation and limiting its real world impact.

"We're at risk of creating a two speed economy when it comes to AI," Phillips said. "Large organisations with the resources to invest in skills will move ahead quickly, while smaller businesses and undertrained teams struggle to keep up. That gap will only widen if we don't act now."

At the same time, employees are becoming increasingly aware of the risks associated with AI, particularly around job disruption, changing roles, and cybersecurity concerns. Despite this, many are not being given access to the training needed to adapt, leaving businesses caught between ambition and execution.

"There's a real danger that AI amplifies existing inequalities in the workforce," Phillips added.

"Those with access to training will benefit, while others are left behind. Without intervention, we're not just facing a skills gap, we're facing an inclusion problem."

Strive Training warns that this growing disconnect between strategic intent and workforce readiness could ultimately undermine the UK's ability to fully realise the economic benefits of AI.

The organisation is calling for a stronger focus on real world, practical training that enables both businesses and employees to apply AI in day to day roles, rather than relying solely on high level strategies or long term policy commitments.

"The government has made a clear commitment to AI investment, but investment in technology must be matched by investment in people," Phillips concluded. "We need coordinated action between government, employers, and training providers to deliver practical, accessible training at scale, and we need it now. Without that, the UK risks turning a £500 million investment into a missed opportunity."

As the UK looks to position itself as a global leader in AI, Strive Training warns that success will depend not just on technological advancement, but on whether the workforce is prepared to support it.

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About Strive Training

Strive Training is an independent UK training provider supporting unemployed adults to gain the skills and confidence needed to move into sustainable employment.

Since 2010, Strive Training has supported over 95,000 learners. It is Ofsted-rated Good, with consistently high learner satisfaction averaging 4.7 out of 5.

Working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions, local authorities and employers, Strive Training delivers practical, sector-based programmes linked to real job opportunities.

Media Contacts: Martin Fitzgerald,

fitzgerald@spreckley.co.uk