West Midlands Mayor Proposes Free AI Academy for Adult Training
Richard Parker's Growth Plan includes a £10m AI Academy to upskill 70,000 workers across sectors, aiming to make the region the UK's top AI skills hub.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has unveiled plans to offer all adults in the region free training in artificial intelligence (AI). The proposal is part of a £10m initiative to establish an AI Academy, developed in partnership with tech firms, educational institutions and community groups.
With over 140 AI companies already employing nearly 70,000 people across manufacturing, healthtech, fintech, the creative industries, retail and public services, the academy aims to create clear career pathways and upskill existing workers.
The three-year programme builds on recent regional developments, including the University of Wolverhampton’s Centre for Cyber Resilience and Artificial Intelligence (CYBRAI), as well as AI research at the University of Birmingham, Coventry University and the Digital Futures Institute at Aston University.
Addressing the AI skills divide
Parker warned that as jobs become increasingly digital and data-driven, AI skills will be as essential as English or mathematics. He argued that without accessible training, many people risk being left behind and pledged to make the West Midlands the UK’s leading region for AI skills.
The academy is part of a wider £30m package within the Growth Plan, which also aims to create 100,000 new jobs, attract major investments, and support 120,000 new homes across towns, cities and high streets.
The AI Academy aims to break down barriers and equip all adults in the West Midlands with crucial AI skills, ensuring they are not left behind as the technology transforms industries.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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