Marvin OnumonuSkills England has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) and automation practitioner apprenticeship to help businesses adopt new technology and improve productivity.
The aim is to upskill 10 million people in the UK by 2030, with the potential for AI to add £400bn to the economy.
Apprentices will learn to identify where AI and automation can save time and money and will work on real-world problems like duplicated data entry and manual processes.
They will also be trained to use AI safely, including protecting sensitive data and complying with regulations.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, said: “Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our economy, and I am determined that young people across the country are equipped to seize the opportunities it brings.
“That means investing in the skills and training that will define the jobs of the future.
“Through our apprenticeship reforms, we are creating genuine pathways into the high-skilled, high-growth industries that AI is creating – so that a young person’s chances are not determined by their background or where they grew up.”
McFadden added: “The fourth industrial revolution is already under way – our job is to make sure Britain is ready for it.”
Minister for AI, Kanishka Narayan said: “AI offers so much potential to grow our economy, create new opportunities for people, and help businesses boost their productivity.
“This can only be realised when businesses, small and large, have the skills needed to adopt and use AI to its fullest.
“Through our AI Skills Boost initiative – a commitment to upskill 10 million workers with key AI skills by 2030 – and new AI apprenticeships like these, we are making sure our workforce has the skills needed to effectively adopt AI and make the UK a leading AI nation.”
The apprenticeship forms part of a wider AI skills programme, including short apprenticeship units and free short courses for adults.
Anyone who completes a course receives a digital badge, with all training checked against Skills England’s skills for work benchmark.
Phil Smith, chair of Skills England, said: “AI is moving at an incredible pace and everyone can benefit if we train people to maximise productivity gains in a responsible way.
“Skills England has worked rapidly with employers to make sure this new apprenticeship and the wider AI skills offer provides what businesses need right now.
“I want to urge businesses across the country to recruit an apprentice or sign up for a course.”
