£10m plan to upskill every adult in West Midlands
A bold £10 million plan to offer every adult in the West Midlands free Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills training has been unveiled by Mayor Richard Parker.
The announcement, part of the Mayor’s Growth Plan, aims to make the region the UK’s top destination for AI education, both for everyday use and for specialist technical roles in a rapidly evolving job market.
The initiative will fund a pioneering AI Academy developed in partnership with tech firms, universities, colleges, and community groups. It’s designed to provide clear career pathways into AI and data-driven sectors, while also upskilling existing workers to boost productivity and economic growth.
Preventing a digital divide
“AI will soon be as essential as English or maths,” said Mayor Parker during a visit to SCC’s global HQ in Tyseley, Birmingham. “If we don’t act now, we risk leaving people behind. Avoiding an AI skills divide isn’t just about fairness, it’s essential to our region’s future.”
The West Midlands already boasts over 140 AI companies, employing nearly 70,000 people and generating £5.5 billion annually. The Mayor’s plan builds on this strength, aiming to create 100,000 new jobs in sectors like digital, advanced manufacturing, and healthtech.
Tech at the heart of industry
SCC, Europe’s largest independent IT provider, hosted the launch. AI consultant Rose Palacios, a graduate of Aston University, highlighted AI’s impact: “We reduced a 12-day quoting process to just six seconds using AI. It’s a gamechanger – for businesses and everyday life.”
SCC innovation director Dan Cartter warned that “65% of future jobs don’t even exist yet,” stressing the need for future-proofed skills.
Wider investment in skills
The AI initiative is part of a broader £30 million skills investment. Other components include employer-led green and tech training and inclusive employment support for marginalised groups.
With AI adoption accelerating, the West Midlands is positioning itself not just to keep up, but to lead.
