AI skills are no longer a future ambition; they’re a present-day necessity
At recent sector events, including the Association of Colleges Annual Conference and the Employment Related Services Association Conference, one message came through loud and clear: learners of all ages are demanding fast, flexible ways to build AI capability, and providers across schools, FE, adult education and workplace training are urgently seeking short, practical courses that can keep pace with rapid technological change.
Learning resources for fast, practical AI upskilling
This sector-wide call to action is backed by a wave of 2025 whitepapers. The AI Skills Report 2025 identifies AI capability as a “necessity” in today’s workforce, while Microsoft’s AI in Education 2025 highlights institutions struggling to meet soaring demand for AI fluency. Research from the Southern Regional Education Board reinforces the need for flexible, age-spanning learning pathways, and studies from Multiverse and Validated Insights show workers actively seeking quick, practical AI upskilling opportunities. Together, these findings echo what the sector is already experiencing: an urgent shift towards accessible, responsive AI-focused learning.
AI short courses
This is why we have already launched resources for Understanding AI Fundamentals and Enhancing Academic Practices with Generative AI, and why we continue to evolve our portfolio of accessible AI short courses. New courses for 2026 will explore AI for employability, the use of AI in everyday life, and the risks of AI in areas such as social media and news
“The demand for AI skills in the UK is accelerating faster than any other area of learning, and providers are looking for trusted partners who can keep pace with that change. As a leading course provider, we see it as essential to deliver short, agile, continually updated content that reflects the realities of this rapidly evolving field. Learners can’t wait years for a new curriculum; AI is reshaping our lives today. Our commitment is to ensure that both young people and adults have access to relevant, up-to-date AI learning that prepares them for the opportunities ahead.” – Mark Dawe, Chief Executive Officer, The Skills Network
We will be announcing our new AI short courses in the new year. In the meantime, to find out how our current courses can support your learners and strengthen your curriculum, speak to your Account Manager today and they’ll be happy to walk through the options and help you choose the best fit for your organisation.
