Marvin OnumonuWest Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, has set out a plan to offer free artificial intelligence (AI) skills training for every adult in the region.
The scheme, backed by £10m, is part of the region’s Growth Plan and aims to help local people use AI in daily life and work, as well as prepare thousands for jobs in technology.
The plan includes setting up a West Midlands AI academy, a joint project between the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), tech firms, colleges, universities and community groups.
The academy would train people for roles in digital, AI and data, and help current workers to upskill.
Parker said: “In an age where artificial intelligence is revolutionising industries, the need to give all our communities the AI skills to secure high quality jobs is economically imperative.
“As jobs become increasingly digital and data-driven, AI will become a core skill just like English or maths. So, if we don’t make AI skills training a priority and readily available to all, then lots of people risk being left behind.
“That’s why I want to make the West Midlands the number one place in the UK for AI skills training.”
Parker added: “Avoiding an AI skills divide isn’t just a matter of fairness – it’s crucial to our Growth Plan.”
The three-year training programme is part of a wider growth plan that aims to create 100,000 jobs in sectors such as digital, AI, advanced manufacturing and health technology.
Research found that communities with AI-trained workers were more likely to start new businesses, improve public services and modernise local industries.
Parker set out the plan during a visit to SCC’s headquarters in Tyseley, Birmingham. He met with Rose Palacios and Callum Woodford, both AI and innovation consultants at SCC.
Palacios said: “There are a lot of misconceptions about AI. But it’s simply a tool that can be used for anything that is knowledge related.
“I use it to help companies be more productive. I’ve just been working with an engineering firm which previously took 12 days to produce a quotation for their customers.
“Using AI we cut this to just six seconds and that time savings has transformed their efficiency and productivity.”
Palacios added: “That’s the power of AI. But I also use AI in my everyday life to help maximise my time and make tasks easier.
“It’s a case of getting familiar with AI and making it your friend.”
Dan Cartter, director of innovation at SCC, said: “Around 65% of young people coming through education right now will have job roles that don’t even exist today.
“These will be new jobs and many of them will involve cutting edge technologies including AI.”
