In response to increasing demand, Baltic Apprenticeships has launched a new Introduction to AI course.
From June 2024, Baltic Apprenticeships will empower their apprentices to gain critical AI skills at the beginning of every apprenticeship programme. During the course, apprentices will build a comprehensive understanding of available functionalities to ensure they can utilise AI systems in their roles.
In just over 12 months, artificial intelligence technologies have evolved from systems designed for and used by advanced technologists, to becoming widespread and readily available.
With 1 in 3 businesses already regularly using generative AI in at least one business function, and with many more AI projects in development set to revolutionise the workforce, it is time to accept, adapt and acquire the new skills we need to work and thrive in the new digital economy.
Introduction to AI
In a recent article, McKinsey concluded that generative AI trends have shed light on “the importance of upskilling, reskilling, and training to empower the global workforce.” The nature of jobs and the future of work have developed alongside AI advancements; new occupations and new responsibilities are being introduced every day to directly support AI implementation.
Integrating this new training course into the core curriculum ensures Baltic apprentices are at the forefront of technology, ready for the demands of today’s digital economy, and ready to harness AI models responsibly and ethically. The 3-part, interactive course provides learners with a comprehensive overview of AI; understanding its origins, categories, and capabilities.
Brooke Urwin, Chief Operating Officer at Baltic Apprenticeships, said:
“At Baltic Apprenticeships, we understand the transformative power of AI and its profound impact on the future of work.
“Integrating this brand-new AI course into our core curriculum is not just about equipping apprentices with technical skills; it’s about empowering them to embrace AI as a tool for innovation while still understanding its ethical challenges.
“As a leading tech and digital training provider, we see it as our duty to prepare the next generation to become future leaders who can confidently navigate the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, so we are proud to be making AI training accessible to all our learners, regardless of their job role.”
Reskilling & Upskilling: Addressing AI Skill Gaps
Gartner identified three key barriers to AI integration, the most prominent being that there is a lack of relevant and readily available AI skills, which are needed to uphold AI roles and responsibilities successfully.
There is a clear strain on the UK’s current workforce to catch up and adapt to the new digital economy, where AI is at the forefront, but a recent study revealed a quarter of organisations struggle to find employees with the necessary skills to utilise AI technologies, due to the technology’s advanced growth rate.
McKinsey’s recent report, The State of AI in 2023, shows that hiring for AI-related roles remains a challenge. It has been predicted that AI will require many roles to reskill within the next three years (as opposed to being replaced) with 4 in 10 respondents expecting “more than 20%” of their workforce will require to be reskilled.
Baltic Apprenticeships’ Introduction to AI module will support employees and businesses with their AI reskilling and upskilling. The course will ensure each of its learners can develop the technical skills needed to utilise AI tools relevant to their role, and the corresponding critical thinking skills required to evaluate AI-generated content, ensuring accuracy and fairness.
Investing in the Future & Building Future AI Leaders
AI skills are not just paramount for the success of individual employees and businesses but contribute to the entire success and future of the UK economy. The UK is a front runner in AI adoption, and according to a recent GOV white paper, the UK has twice the number of AI-based companies than any European nation and in 2022, AI contributed £3.7B to the economy.
AI technology continues to develop rapidly, with no sign of slowing down, and to ensure our workforce is ready to thrive in the UK’s digital economy, there needs to be a focus on building future AI leaders.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report (2020) predicts that “97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labour between humans, machines and algorithms.” To ensure the next generation of workers are prepared for the job market’s monumental shift towards AI, we must encourage curiosity and eliminate the fear of the unknown.
The Introduction to AI programme will empower apprentices to confidently navigate the AI-driven future. Businesses will benefit from an employee equipped with the knowledge to unlock the transformative potential of AI, leading to automation, advanced analytics, and enhanced customer experiences.
About Baltic Apprenticeships
Baltic Apprenticeships is an Ofsted Outstanding independent training provider, dedicated to delivering high-quality education and training to aspiring professionals. The company is committed to preparing career starters, career changers, and career advancers for a successful future. Baltic Apprenticeships was the first training provider to offer a completely tech-focused and tech-driven learning solution and offer a wealth of experience and support to both learners and employers.
-ENDS-
For more information about Baltic Apprenticeships or its new Introduction to AI course, please contact:
Lydia Chilton,
Content Marketing Lead,
Baltic Apprenticeships,