The UK government will encourage more diversity in AI with an £8.2m investment to support girls entering the sector.
Delivered by the Department for Education as part of Labour’s ‘Plan for Change’ strategy, the funding aims to encourage 7,500 girls across hundreds of disadvantaged secondary schools to pursue advanced maths and science to be ready to enter careers in AI.
The scheme will fund teacher training and student enrichment courses to give more opportunities for girls in education to study core skills related to AI.
Women make up half of the UK population, however, only represent 22% of AI and data professionals, according to figures from the Alan Turing Institute.
The move from the government aims not only to balance the gender makeup of the sector, but also to plug a gap in AI skills that the government has repeatedly warned could prevent its ambitions for the country to lead the sector globally.
“Today’s brightest maths minds are tomorrow’s AI pioneers, and this government is opening the door for groups who have so far been left behind in the AI revolution,” said Education Minister Bridget Phillipson.
“Through our Plan for Change we are breaking down barriers to opportunity, backing our young people and going further and faster for AI growth, ensuring the next generation can progress in the exciting careers of the future.”
Read more: The UK must embrace a culture of AI learning
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