Google partners ICC with Gemini 3 Pro as Microsoft supports UK AI training

Key Takeaways

• The UK government launched a program on January 28, 2026, to provide free AI training to 10 million workers by 2030, aiming for a 140 billion pound annual economic boost.
• This UK initiative is supported by tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, Cisco, and Cognizant, offering online courses and establishing an AI and the Future of Work Unit.
• Bright MLS appointed Rajeev Sajja as its first Chief AI Officer on January 28, 2026, to lead its vision of becoming an "AI-native MLS" with responsible AI tools for real estate.
• South Korea initiated a "Manufacturing AI Transformation" strategy on January 27, 2026, focusing on "physical AI" to teach machines real-world tasks by observing human movements.
• TRUSTBANK partnered with Recursive to create Choice AI, utilizing OpenAI models to personalize Japan's Furusato Nozei tax donation program with conversational recommendations.
• Google partnered with the International Cricket Council on January 28, 2026, to use Gemini 3 Pro for analyzing cricket videos, identifying players, and explaining techniques.
• The structured products market in Asia is actively discussing a potential "AI bubble" due to high tech valuations, with some clients seeking to balance investments.
• YouTube began removing "AI slop" channels, including one with over 5.9 million subscribers, following CEO Neal Mohan's commitment to reduce low-quality AI content.
• Deko Idekoba, CEO of Recruit Holdings (parent of Indeed and Glassdoor), stated on January 28, 2026, that his company is not seeing data indicating AI is replacing workers.
• A report by Clari and Salesloft found that 83% of salespeople, including 67% of Baby Boomers, believe AI can enhance customer relationship building, despite generational differences in sales approaches.

UK offers free AI training for 10 million workers by 2030

The UK government and industry launched a major program on January 28, 2026, offering free AI training to all adults. This initiative aims to equip 10 million workers with key AI skills by 2030, making Britain a top AI adopter in the G7. The program includes short online courses and a new AI and the Future of Work Unit to manage AI's impact on jobs. It also provides 27 million pounds in funding and targets NHS and local government employees, as well as small business staff.

UK launches free AI training for all adults

On January 28, 2026, the UK government began offering free AI training to all adults to prepare the workforce for rapid technological changes. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated the goal is to help people benefit from AI, not be left behind. The program, a joint effort with tech firms like Google and Microsoft, offers short online courses on tasks like drafting text and creating content. While over a million courses have been completed, only 21 percent of UK workers feel confident with AI. The government aims to train 10 million workers by 2030, hoping to unlock 140 billion pounds in economic growth.

UK offers free AI courses to all adults

The UK government announced it will offer free AI training to every adult to boost skills and prevent misuse of the technology. These online courses cover AI basics, applications, and ethical considerations, with participants earning a virtual AI foundations badge. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized protecting people from AI risks while ensuring everyone shares its benefits. The initiative aims to give people the skills and confidence to use AI, addressing concerns like past errors from tools such as Microsoft Copilot.

UK aims to train 10 million workers in AI by 2030

On January 28, 2026, the UK government announced free AI skills training for all adults through Skills England's AI Skills Hub. This program aims to train 10 million workers by 2030, making the UK the fastest AI-adopting country in the G7. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated the goal is to ensure AI benefits workers and the economy. Major companies like Google, Microsoft, and the NHS support the initiative, which includes short online courses and a new AI and the Future of Work Unit.

UK government offers free AI training to 10 million by 2030

The UK government is expanding its AI Skills Boost scheme to offer free AI training to every adult, aiming to upskill 10 million people by 2030. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated the goal is to ensure AI works for Britain by giving people the necessary skills and confidence. Courses, developed with partners like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, are available online, with some taking as little as 20 minutes. The program will benefit NHS and local government employees first, and a new AI and the Future of Work Unit will address future challenges.

UK offers AI training for all workers for 140 billion pound boost

On January 28, 2026, UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced free AI training for all workers, aiming to boost economic output by 140 billion pounds annually. Online courses, developed by British industry, will teach practical AI skills like drafting text and creating content. The government plans to train 10 million workers this decade, calling it the largest program since the Open University. New partners like Cisco and NHS join founding partners such as Amazon and Google to support this initiative.

Liz Kendall warns AI will cost jobs but offers training

On January 28, 2026, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall admitted that artificial intelligence will cause some job losses but also create new ones. Speaking in London, she announced plans to train 10 million British workers in basic AI skills by 2030, including cabinet members. This initiative aims to make Britain the fastest AI-adopting country in the G7. The government also established a new "future of work unit" within DSIT, involving trade unions and business leaders, to help workers adapt to these changes.

UK free AI training boosts customer experience teams

On January 28, 2026, the UK government expanded its free AI training program for all adults, aiming to upskill 10 million workers by 2030. This initiative offers a significant advantage for Customer Experience CX leaders to build AI-ready teams without extra costs. The AI Skills Boost scheme, supported by major tech firms and Skills England, provides short online courses for practical workplace AI skills. Leaders from Salesforce, Microsoft, Cisco, and Cognizant emphasize the importance of these skills for productivity and competitiveness, helping the UK become the fastest AI-adopting country in the G7.

UK government provides free AI training for workers

On January 28, 2026, the UK government launched free AI training courses for adults to help them use technology at work. These online lessons teach skills like prompting chatbots and assisting with administrative tasks. The program aims to train 10 million workers by 2030, making it the most ambitious scheme since the Open University. Tech giants like Amazon and Google helped design the courses, and participants receive a virtual badge upon completion. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated the goal is to build confidence in using AI in the workplace.

UK government to train 10 million in AI by 2030

On January 28, 2026, the UK government announced free AI training for all adults, aiming to upskill 10 million people by 2030. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized that equipping workers with AI skills is crucial for economic growth and job protection. The program, supported by tech leaders like Amazon and Google, offers online courses, some as short as 20 minutes, covering practical AI workplace skills. A new AI and the Future of Work Unit will analyze AI's impact on jobs, with widespread AI adoption potentially boosting economic output by 140 billion pounds annually.

UK expands free AI training to 10 million workers

On January 28, 2026, the UK government announced an expansion of its free AI training programs, aiming to upskill 10 million people. This initiative seeks to make the UK the fastest AI-adopting country in the G7, potentially unlocking 140 billion pounds in annual economic output. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall also launched a new AI and the Future of Work Unit, supported by experts from business and trade unions, to analyze AI's impact on jobs. The courses, ranging from short modules to full-day events, are available online to most adults.

UK launches huge AI training plan for workers

On January 28, 2026, the UK government unveiled a major AI training initiative for all adults, aiming to boost productivity and reshape the labor market. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that online courses, developed by British industry, will teach practical AI skills like drafting text and creating content. The program, the largest since the Open University, plans to train 10 million workers this decade. A new AI and the Future of Work Unit will also examine AI's impact on jobs, with the potential to unlock 140 billion pounds in economic output.

Bright MLS names Rajeev Sajja as first Chief AI Officer

Bright MLS appointed Rajeev Sajja as its first Chief AI Officer on January 28, 2026, to lead its vision of becoming an "AI-native MLS." Sajja will focus on developing responsible AI to help real estate agents and brokers better serve clients with smarter data. Previously, he oversaw digital marketing and an AI task force at BHHS Fox & Roach. Separately, Cloze, an AI-driven real estate tool provider, hired Stacey Soleil as Head of Community to launch a consultant network, aiming to help users increase production.

Bright MLS names Rajeev Sajja as Chief AI Officer

On January 28, 2026, Bright MLS appointed Rajeev Sajja as its first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Sajja will lead the company's AI strategy, aiming to make Bright MLS the first "AI-native MLS." He plans to use practical and responsible AI to help agents and brokers serve clients better with smarter data and insights. Sajja previously led digital marketing and an AI task force at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach. Bright MLS is developing AI tools to simplify listing entry, improve data quality, and streamline agent workflows.

South Korea aims for physical AI lead with manufacturing

On January 27, 2026, South Korea launched its "Manufacturing AI Transformation" strategy to boost productivity using data and AI. The country aims to lead in "physical AI," which involves teaching machines like robots real-world tasks through observing human movements. South Korea plans to digitize the unique skills of its veteran manufacturing workers in cities like Ulsan and Changwon. This approach could turn its strong manufacturing base into a national asset and a new advantage in the global AI race.

TRUSTBANK uses AI to personalize Japan tax donations

TRUSTBANK partnered with Recursive to create Choice AI, a new feature using OpenAI models, to personalize Japan's Furusato Nozei tax donation program. This program allows taxpayers to support municipalities and receive thank-you gifts, but its complexity makes navigation difficult. Choice AI, integrated into TRUSTBANK's Furusato Choice app, offers personalized conversational recommendations for over 760,000 gifts. This multiagent system helps users easily discover options matching their preferences, simplifying the donation process.

Google Gemini partners with ICC to analyze cricket videos

On January 28, 2026, Google announced a partnership with the International Cricket Council to use Gemini 3 Pro for analyzing cricket videos. This collaboration showcases Gemini's ability to process visual and audio data from matches, identifying players and explaining techniques. A demonstration of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Final 2025 highlighted Deepti Sharma as MVP. This strategic move aims to position Google's AI in India, its largest market, leveraging cricket's cultural importance. Gemini can serve as an educational tool for players and an analytical resource for coaches and fans.

Asia market buzzes over potential AI bubble

On January 28, 2026, the structured products market in Asia is actively discussing a potential AI bubble as high tech valuations continue into the new year. Market participants are divided, with some exploring ways to manage rising valuations in AI-exposed companies. Others are focusing on diversifying their investments. Jaye Chiu from Bank of East Asia noted that clients are increasingly looking to balance their technology investments with lower-risk options.

YouTube removes many top AI slop channels

On January 28, 2026, YouTube began removing several popular "AI slop" channels, including CuentosFacianantes, which had over 5.9 million subscribers. This action follows YouTube CEO Neal Mohan's pledge to reduce low-quality AI content on the platform. A report by Kapwing found that 16 other such channels have also been deleted or had their videos removed. These channels often used generative AI to create content like "AI Cat Cinema."

Indeed Glassdoor CEO says AI not replacing workers

On January 28, 2026, Deko Idekoba, CEO of Recruit Holdings, the parent company of Glassdoor and Indeed, stated that AI is not replacing workers. He emphasized that his company is "not seeing that kind of data at all." This statement addresses ongoing discussions about AI's impact on employment.

AI bridges sales gap between Gen Z and Boomers

A new report from Clari and Salesloft highlights a conflict between Gen Z and Baby Boomer salespeople, with AI playing a role as both a problem and a solution. Boomers prefer traditional, relationship-first sales methods, while Gen Z favors digital-first, AI-driven approaches. This creates challenges in technology adoption, communication styles, and work-life balance. While Boomers worry AI harms relationships, Gen Z believes it boosts efficiency. However, 83 percent of all salespeople, including 67 percent of Boomers, agree that AI can enhance customer relationship building.

Who is to blame when AI misuses intellectual property

Content owners are debating who is responsible when AI misuses intellectual property, whether it is the AI model or the user. Emmy-winning producer Jason Zada argues that users, or "prompters," are to blame, not the AI itself, which he says learns by describing rather than copying. His company, Secret Level, uses generative AI for clients like Coca-Cola. Zada will teach an AI filmmaking masterclass, while former Netflix executive Christina Lee Storm, also at Secret Level, emphasizes using ethically sourced data. This discussion highlights the need for ethical prompting policies as AI technology advances.

Sources

• Free AI training for all, as government and industry programme expands to provide 10 million workers with key AI skills by 2030
• UK rolls out free AI training, but will it save your job?
• Free AI training to be offered to every adult in the UK
• Skills Training for 10 Million Workers by 2030 in UK
• "We want AI to work for Britain": The UK government wants to upskill 10 million Brits in AI by 2030 – and the courses are free to access
• UK Pledges AI Training for All to Grasp $193 Billion Opportunity
• Artificial intelligence will cost jobs, admits Liz Kendall
• Free UK AI Training Gives CX Leaders a Rare Skills Advantage
• Government offers UK adults free AI training for work
• Government announces free AI training for 10 million workers by 2030
• Will the UK Government's latest 'free skills training for all' offer provide the national boost needed to ramp up AI adoption rates?
• UK Unveils £140 Billion AI Training Push for Workers
• Chief AI officer to accelerate Bright’s ‘AI-native MLS’ vision
• Bright MLS appoints first chief artificial intelligence officer to lead AI strategy
• Korea’s manufacturing base could fuel a ‘physical AI’ advantage
• Powering tax donations with AI powered personalized recommendations
• Google Gemini Partners With International Cricket Council To Analyze Cricket Videos
• AI bubble talk keeps Asia structured products market buzzing
• YouTube’s top AI slop channels are disappearing
• CEO of Glassdoor and Indeed parent says AI is not replacing workers: 'We're not seeing that kind of data at all'
• The Gen Z/Boomer Sales conflict - can AI be a generational equalizer?
• When AI Plunders IP, Who Is To Blame: Man Or Machine?