Ambitious £10 million plan to teach West Midlands adults how to use AI
An ambitious £10 million plan to give every West Midlands adult free training in how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been unveiled.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the training package, which forms part of his Growth Plan, aims to make the region the number one place for AI and help people use it in their everyday lives.
The package also includes proposals for a regionwide AI Academy to be set up under a joint project between the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), leading tech companies, colleges, universities, specialist providers and community groups.
The Academy would provide local people with clear career routes into AI, digital and data jobs as well as upskilling existing workers so they can help drive economic growth and higher productivity.
WMCA said the region is already one of the UK’s active AI hubs with more than 140 AI companies employing 69,500 people, contributing £5.5 billion to the economy each year.
The Growth Plan was launched by the Mayor last month to provide a blueprint to reboot the regional economy, raise living standards, and put an extra £8,600 back into the pockets of working people.
It sets out to drive a new era of prosperity by creating 100,000 good jobs in fast-growing industries such as digital and AI technology, advanced manufacturing and finance, health and medical technology.
The Mayor made his announcement on AI training during a visit to Tyseley, Birmingham, at the global headquarters of IT service provider SCC.
SCC uses cutting edge AI and other computer technologies to help companies innovate and become more productive.
Mr 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. Avoiding an AI skills divide isn’t just a matter of fairness – it’s crucial to our Growth Plan.”
Rose Palacious, an AI and innovation consultant at SCC, added: “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. 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.”
