AI literacy for adults: FE colleges are teaching the skill nobody planned for
The growth and skills levy will fund AI courses from April 2026. Further education colleges are now the frontline for adults who have never engaged with AI at work. No standardised curriculum exists.
By Wistl Editorial · · FE / Training
The government confirmed earlier this year that the reformed growth and skills levy would, from April 2026, fund new short courses in areas including digital, artificial intelligence and engineering. Skills England , the new body established in June 2025 after the closure of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, is working to identify which courses will be prioritised. For further education colleges, this creates both an opportunity and a challenge. The opportunity is substantial. There are adults across every sector of the economy who use AI tools at work without any form