The funding aims to bring practical, problem-solving AI tools directly into everyday workplaces, including hospital wards, construction sites, and small businesses. The successful solutions from this Tech Town pilot could establish a national model for AI skills development across Britain.
Four organisations will deliver the hands-on training. Barnsley College will use mobile AI training units for hospital and social care staff, while Atheni will assist 140 individuals in manufacturing, engineering, and construction firms with AI for quotes, tenders, and safety paperwork. Fossu (Ignite AI), in partnership with Barnsley YMCA, Postnatal Minds, and the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, will run challenge-led programmes for 100 residents, focusing on women returning to work and young people. Optimise Cyber Solutions, with Abbeydale Training, will support twenty small businesses in adopting AI safely and effectively.
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan stated that the government will support people navigating the changing workplace due to AI, with the Barnsley schemes setting a standard for equipping individuals from all backgrounds with necessary skills and confidence. Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden, emphasised the importance of workers understanding AI's impact and having the skills to shape its use.
Barnsley was designated the UK's first Tech Town in February 2026, aiming to improve public services, local businesses, and job opportunities through AI. The initiative is part of the government's commitment to transforming public services and skills delivery, returning power to local communities. Councillor Luke Wheat, Barnsley Council’s Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, highlighted that Tech Town aims to make new technology work for Barnsley's people and businesses, with practical AI support delivered directly into workplaces and communities.
“"We’ll learn from what works here in Barnsley and share that with others. At the same time, we’ll keep working towards our ambition to become the UK’s leading digital town, making sure our communities across the borough share in the opportunities that growth brings."
Other Tech Town projects include the AI Career Launchpad offering training and paid work placements, a pilot to improve patient care at Barnsley Hospital, and the Getting Job Ready with AI pilot for jobseekers. Nationally, the government's AI Skills Boost initiative aims to equip 10 million UK workers with AI skills by 2030, with 10,000 work experience placements for young people. The AI Economics Institute will also receive £23 million over three years to study AI's economic impact.
David Akeroyd, Principal and CEO of Barnsley College, noted the importance of flexible, practical training for health and social care staff. Chris Annetts, Founder and CEO of Optimise Cyber Solutions, highlighted the opportunity AI presents for small businesses. Imelda Fossu, CEO of Ignite AI (Fossu Ltd), emphasised hands-on learning through building AI solutions. Louise Ballard, co-founder of Atheni, stated that combining AI with job-specific knowledge creates formidable solutions.
The funding breakdown includes: Atheni Strategy Limited (£231,000), Optimise Cyber Solutions Limited (£200,000), Fossu Limited (£195,188), and Barnsley College (£184,403). The AI Upskilling Challenge Fund was announced in July as part of the Barnsley Tech Town initiative, launched on 3 February 2026.
