Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in today’s evolving technological landscape, capable of reshaping industries and redefining business models, no matter how big or small the business. However, to fully benefit from the potential of AI, businesses must equip their workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Michael Burton, Head of Employer Engagement at The Skills Network, one of the largest online education providers in the UK, offers his insights into the wide range of benefits that AI and digital project management training can bring to businesses of all sizes and across a wide range of sectors.
Michael Burton said: “In today’s rapidly evolving digital era, AI has emerged as a powerful tool that is capable of transforming a wide range of businesses, helping to enrich their existing offering. However, to fully grasp its potential and stay competitive in saturated markets, organisations require a skilled workforce that can effectively implement AI technologies to existing business models and efficiently manage key digital projects to complement this.
“It is evident that companies cannot escape the fact that AI is reshaping the business landscape, and those that fail to adapt to the rise of the digital era risk being left behind. There are so many different tasks, some that people might not even expect, that can be simplified using AI. However, the path to AI adoption doesn’t have to be as daunting as it can seem.
“While AI offers promising potential, many businesses struggle to implement digital solutions effectively due to the existing significant skills gap. To navigate the complex landscape of the digital evolution and close this overarching gap, businesses must upskill their workforce to meet the growing needs of the industry they operate within.
“Indeed, following the recent Autumn Budget announcement which could lead to rising costs for businesses, it is more important than ever for employers to maximise the use of their existing resources through upskilling and reskilling their existing workforce. By investing in training programmes, like Skills Bootcamps that focus on emerging technologies like AI, businesses can equip their employees with the necessary skills to adapt to change and drive innovation in a cost-effective manner utilising the partially government-funded courses.
“At The Skills Network, we offer a number of these Skills Bootcamps, which are usually ran in partnership with local authorities. Skills Bootcamps allow employees themselves to be future-proofed in terms of technological advancements in their area of expertise, helping them to feel more confident in their line of work and therefore potentially improving staff retainment levels. By prioritising investment into the continuous professional development (CPD) of employees to meet the external challenges of the business landscape, companies can remain up-to-date on new developments and capitalise on key opportunities that might otherwise be missed without these in-demand skills.
“AI has the potential to revolutionise various aspects of business operations, from enhancing customer relationship management systems to new data analysis techniques and streamlined supply chain management. By understanding how to implement key AI tools, businesses can restructure and simplify processes, improve decision-making, and gain an overall competitive edge.
“Skills Bootcamps such as ‘Level 3 Artificial Intelligence for Business Development’ and ‘Level 3 Project Management Digital Transformation’, which we deliver at The Skills Network, provide a cost-effective and flexible training solution for businesses which are looking to introduce this skillset into their company, removing the need for recruitment in this area. In line with the Skills Bootcamp framework, the government provides 70% of the funding for companies with staff of 250 or over and 90% of the funding towards companies with up to 249 staff.
“Through course completion, Skills Bootcamp learners gain insights into key skills including machine learning, natural language processing, and data-driven decision-making, enabling individuals to make well-informed choices and drive business success.
“As businesses navigate an era defined by technological advancement and economic volatility following the change of government, the call for digital innovation and agility has never been greater. AI provides businesses across a wide range of sectors with a solution for numerous automating routine tasks, analysing data, and helping with the likes of customer relationship management through personalising experiences.
“Furthermore, AI-focused training programmes emphasise the importance of ethical AI use and responsible implementation of such tools. This helps to change existing perceptions around individuals using AI tools because they are ‘lazy’ and moves towards welcoming the wide range of benefits that these tools can deliver. By understanding the ethical implications of AI, businesses can build trust with both customers and stakeholders, helping to best present the benefits and results these skills can bring.
“We hope that in time more businesses are able to see the great opportunities that investment in AI and digital project management training can bring in terms of driving growth through upskilling existing employees. Both the AI for Business Skills Bootcamp and Project Management Digital Transformation Skills Bootcamp are both valuable resources for organisations looking to embrace the opportunities of AI and drive overall business growth. It is now more important than ever for businesses to embrace the thinking that ‘if you level up your employees, you level up your business.’”
Find out more about Skills Bootcamps and The Skills Network’s course offer here: Register your interest for our Skills Bootcamps!
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