Workers and small business owners in Folkestone, Kent, can now access free training to help them use artificial intelligence in their daily work. The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is highlighting the expansion of the national “AI Skills Boost” programme, which aims to provide 10 million workers across the country with updated skills by 2030. The initiative focuses on helping local firms stay competitive by making it easier for employees to use new technology to save time and improve productivity.
The programme is designed specifically to help smaller companies that often struggle with the costs of training. At least 2 million of the training places are reserved for employees in small and medium-sized businesses to help bridge the productivity gap between local shops and larger corporations. This effort was officially expanded on January 28, 2026, following an announcement at Bloomberg HQ by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall.
Training is available through an online platform called the AI Skills Hub, which offers short, industry-vetted lessons that can be completed in less than 20 minutes. People who complete these sessions receive a virtual “AI Foundations Badge” to prove they have learned the basics of how to use the technology. Additionally, a £27 million funding scheme called TechLocal—part of the wider £187 million TechFirst programme—has been launched to help create up to 1,000 new technical jobs and traineeships within local communities.
Local leaders believe these courses will help Folkestone firms modernise their operations and reduce the high costs often associated with teaching staff how to use new computer systems. By accessing these free resources, local businesses can keep up with larger competitors and improve their digital skills without needing a large budget for training.
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