How Databricks' AI Training Tackles the UK Skills Gap

Databricks has launched an initiative to train 100,000 people in data and AI skills across the United Kingdom and Ireland by 2028. The large-scale plan addresses the escalating talent shortage within the technology sector, a critical concern for workforce planning and development.

Databricks is supporting this initiative with an investment of over US$10m into its Free Edition programme, a scheme which gives students, professionals and enthusiasts access to the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform without charge.

According to data from the World Economic Forum, 40% of a worker’s core skills are expected to be disrupted within the next five years, with AI being one of the most rapidly growing areas of demand, making programmes like these indispensable to the modern workforce.

Databricks' investment includes self-paced training materials and tools designed to build competencies in generative AI, data engineering, machine learning (ML) and analytics through online and in-person courses.

This initiative will help to provide companies with a larger pool of skilled candidates, helping to mitigate the persistent skills gap.

Addressing the AI skills gap with strategic training

The key challenge for many businesses is harnessing AI effectively and safely. This training programme aims to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to scale AI applications responsibly.

“Businesses are reaching a key moment in growing their use of AI,” says Samuel Bonamigo, Senior Vice President and General Manager for EMEA at Databricks.

“By pairing advanced training with the power of Agent Bricks, we're helping local enterprises quickly and safely scale trusted AI apps and agents.”

As part of its commitment, Databricks has also joined the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s Get Tech Certified this Autumn programme.

This three-month initiative delivers AI and ML training to public sector employees supporting the government's goal to have one in 10 civil servants in digital or technology roles within five years.

Fostering talent through public and academic partnerships

To build a sustainable talent pipeline, Databricks has established its University Alliance Programme, creating partnerships with over 40 universities in the UK and Ireland.

Institutions such as the London School of Economics, University College Dublin, University of Salford and the University of Sheffield have integrated the Databricks platform into their curricula.

This collaboration is designed to prepare students for roles in data engineering, ML development and analytics.

Dr Marcos Barreto, Associate Professor of Data Science and Lead on AI for the Department of Statistics at the London School of Economics, says: “Providing our data science students with the latest data and AI skills is something we take great pride in. By being part of the Databricks University Alliance programme, our students can learn the latest in big data programming and analytics, which is essential to flourish in the fast-paced AI sector.”

Adding to this, Nathan Topping, Lecturer in Data Science at the University of Salford, says: “Our MSc Data Science programme, underpinned by Databricks, provides students with the cutting-edge expertise they need to thrive in the future of work.”

Building a competitive edge in the UK and Ireland

The direct application of these skills is already evident across the corporate landscape.

Databricks serves more than 50% of FTSE 100 companies, including major corporations like Barclays, Reckitt and Shell.

In Ireland, its client base includes Aer Lingus, while other UK businesses such as Flo Health and Virgin Atlantic use the platform to deploy AI applications. With over 500 employees operating from its London hub, Databricks is embedding itself within the local technology ecosystem.

“We are proud to be at the heart of the UK and Ireland’s data and AI ecosystem,” says Michael Green, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Databricks.

“Our growing team is helping students, customers, and partners to keep up with the fast-changing AI landscape. The right data and AI skills are essential in enabling UK and Irish businesses to scale AI agents and remain competitive on a global stage.”