The Best Free Tools & Platforms to Practise Machine Learning Skills in 2025/26
Machine learning (ML) has become one of the most in-demand career paths in technology. From predicting customer behaviour in retail to detecting fraud in banking and enabling medical breakthroughs in healthcare, ML is transforming industries across the UK and beyond. But here’s the truth: employers don’t just want candidates who have read about machine learning in textbooks. They want evidence that you can actually build, train, and deploy models. That means practising with real tools, working with real datasets, and solving real problems. The good news is that you don’t need to pay for expensive software or courses to get started. A wide range of free, open-source tools and platforms allow you to learn machine learning skills hands-on. Whether you’re a beginner or preparing for advanced roles, you can practise everything from simple linear regression to deploying deep learning models — at no cost. In this guide, we’ll explore the best free tools and platforms to practise machine learning skills in 2025, and how to use them effectively to build a portfolio that UK employers will notice.
