Free AI training for adults in West Midlands growth plans
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.
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