Government Launches £8.3m Initiative to Inspire Girls to Pursue AI Careers

Investing in the Future: Pursue AI Careers

At Certes IT Service Solutions, we understand that the future of technology depends on the talent we nurture today. That’s why we’re encouraged to see the UK government taking decisive steps to build a more inclusive and future-ready workforce in AI careers, starting in the classroom.

In a new initiative announced this month, the Department for Education (DfE) is investing £8.3 million into a nationwide effort to boost the number of girls taking maths at A-level — a foundational step toward careers in artificial intelligence (AI). This funding will support 400 disadvantaged secondary schools across England through the Advanced Maths Support Programme, equipping teachers and students alike with the tools and knowledge needed to engage with AI-related subjects.

Closing the Gap in Tech Diversity

Only around a third of A-level maths students are currently female, and women represent just 22% of the AI workforce in the UK. This imbalance poses a significant challenge, not just to equity, but to innovation. AI systems reflect the people who build them — and without diverse perspectives, we risk embedding bias into the very technologies shaping our future.

Socio-economic barriers and digital exclusion also play a major role. With an estimated 1.7 million UK households lacking internet access, many students never get the chance to explore advanced STEM pathways. By targeting schools in underprivileged areas, the government aims to break down these barriers and create real opportunities for girls to thrive in tech.

Building the AI Talent Pipeline

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson summed it up well: “Today’s brightest maths minds are tomorrow’s AI pioneers.” The updated Advanced Maths Support Programme, launching this September, will include training for both teachers and students to deepen understanding of the skills needed for AI careers. From algorithmic thinking to data literacy, the programme is designed to demystify AI and empower girls to see it as an attainable and exciting career path.

This initiative is part of the broader Plan for Change, introduced in December 2024, which aims to level the educational playing field across England. It aligns closely with the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which sets out strategies for driving AI adoption, creating high-skill jobs, and fuelling long-term economic growth.

Expert-Driven Change

To ensure the education system evolves alongside the growing demand for AI and digital skills, the DfE has assembled a team of experts from institutions like University College London and the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre. Their advice will shape how AI concepts are introduced to students from ages five to 18 — helping to make digital fluency a core component of UK education.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle put it plainly: “AI is the defining technology of our generation... This package of support will help us deliver our Plan for Change and give every young person in the country the opportunity to develop the tools which will put them front and centre in delivering our AI-powered future.”

What This Means for the UK Tech Sector

At Certes, we believe initiatives like this are crucial not only for empowering young women, but for strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in tech. By widening access to STEM education and supporting underrepresented talent, we’re not just addressing inequality — we’re investing in smarter, more innovative solutions for tomorrow, and reducing the tech skills gap.

This isn’t just good policy. It’s a smart strategy for a stronger, more resilient digital future.