Google’s ‘AI Works for Britain’ aims to help stuck Brits unlock progression
Britain is overflowing with talent, yet our latest research shows just how many people feel opportunities are out of reach. That’s why we’re launching AI Works for Britain, to help Brits use AI to unlock new opportunities and personal progression.
The majority of Brits feel “stuck”
More than three-quarters (76%) of people across the UK feel “stuck” relative to where they want to be. New research we commissioned found that for millions, personal progression is stalled not simply by a lack of formal education, but by persistent, invisible barriers. These include a lack of professional contacts and mentorship, a lack of confidence in their professional abilities or how they present themselves, and a lack of skills.
The new AI opportunity: raising the floor for everyone
The fact that so many Brits feel unable to achieve their goals should be a call to action. And there is a powerful new catalyst for change.
Increasingly, the UK public is looking to AI to level the playing field. Three quarters (75%) of 25- to 34-year-olds, and 57% of the broader population, report that having an AI assistant in their pocket gives them the professional polish and confidence to apply for roles that previously felt out of reach. They credit AI tools with helping them communicate more professionally, acting as a sounding board for ideas, and teaching them new skills.
While 65% of the UK population is using AI tools, just one in ten identifies as an ‘advanced’ user, and only a quarter feel they are extracting significant value – by using AI to do things they could not do without it; put entirely new skills into practice; or save significant amounts of time. The barrier to using AI today is effectively zero – we all have access to powerful AI assistants in our pockets – but unlocking its real value means moving beyond basic adoption. We need to help people "squeeze the juice" out of these tools.
AI Works for Britain: Helping Brits squeeze the juice out of AI
Making sure this catalyst is available to everyone – including those who might not assume they could benefit — is the driving force behind AI Works for Britain, our new nationwide AI upskilling initiative, including nearly £2 million in Google.org grant funding.
Our goal is to bring practical AI skills to people in every corner of the UK — from juice bars to Jobcentres, helping them move from basic prompts to progression-boosting applications of AI.
Here is how we’re rolling this out:
- ‘Squeeze the Juice’ pop-up bars: Launching in cities including Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham, and AI Growth Zones, these hubs will give the public the opportunity to learn how to tackle two-hour problems in two minutes with a prompt. Quick-win demos will include using AI to automate admin; turn handwritten or voice notes into structured, professional quotes; share how agentic tools can carry out tasks and research on your behalf; and brainstorm tactics to build your social media presence to attract new customers.
- Gemini university tour & AI Skilling for Students: To ensure the next generation of workers has job-ready skills, Google is taking AI training directly to campuses nationwide. In addition Google.org has provided funding to INCO and Chance to enable participating universities to deliver practical AI training, career coaching and networks to help students transition into sectors that INCO research shows AI is transforming.
- Grassroots upskilling to ensure no one is left behind: Google.org has provided funding to The Good Things Foundation to equip communities experiencing digital exclusion with foundational AI skills for the future of work. Google is also continuing its longstanding partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions to offer AI upskilling through Google Career Certificate scholarships at Job Centres across the UK.
How Brits see the future with AI
Looking ahead, Brits recognise how critical AI will be to their success. In the next three years, a relative majority of the UK (around 40%) believe AI skills will be essential for remaining competitive in their current roles, breaking into new sectors, securing a promotion or pay rise, or starting a business. Looking a decade ahead, the public believes a person's ability to use AI tools will be as important as their background – who they know, where they went to school – in determining their success.
With AI Works for Britain, we are committed to equipping everyone with the AI tools and skills to unlock their full potential and economic growth for the nation. Sign up at goo.gle/squeezethejuice to receive more information and learn how to use AI to unlock your personal progression.
