Free AI training for adults in region's growth plans

More than 140 AI companies employ nearly 70,000 people in the West Midlands

All adults in the West Midlands could be given free training on how to use artificial intelligence (AI) under plans by the region's mayor.

Richard Parker aims to set up an AI Academy as part of a joint project with leading tech companies, colleges, universities, specialist providers and community groups.

The £10m proposal, which is part of his recently announced Growth Plan for the West Midlands, would provide local people with clear career routes into the sector and upskill existing workers, he said.

There are currently more than 140 AI companies that employ nearly 70,000 people in the West Midlands.

They have been developing and applying AI across manufacturing, healthtech, fintech (financial technology), creative industries, retail and public services.

The three-year AI training programme would build on that foundation, Mr Parker added.

In May, the University of Wolverhampton launched the Centre for Cyber Resilience and Artificial Intelligence (CYBRAI).

And the University of Birmingham, which uses AI in health and robotics, and Coventry University and the Digital Futures Institute at Aston University are also leading in areas like cybersecurity, fintech and supply chains.

'Being left behind'

"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," Mr Parker said.

"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."

No site has been specified for the new academy, which is part of a wider £30m package included in the Growth Plan towards support for local skills initiatives.

Announcing the plan in Wolverhampton last month, Mr Parker said it aimed to create 100,000 new jobs and see "a series of major investments" for towns, cities and high streets, along with 120,000 new homes.