AI training has become more than a niche topic; it’s now a business imperative.
And the talk about AI is everywhere you turn. From the tools your teams use daily, to the strategic decisions being made in the boardroom.
But while the buzz around artificial intelligence continues to grow, many HR leaders are asking a more grounded question:
“How do we actually prepare our people for this?”
It’s a smart question. Because while AI promises efficiency, innovation, and competitive edge, the reality is that most organisations aren’t struggling with AI adoption, they’re struggling with digital confidence.
As Al Bird, CEO of Instep UK, recently wrote in HRreview:
“Right now, we’re collectively entranced by AI… The irony is while we obsess over AI adoption, we’re ignoring the broader digital foundations that businesses urgently need.”
And the numbers back him up.
Why This Matters for HR
As an HR leader, you’re not just responsible for filling roles, you’re shaping the future of your business. And in a world where digital transformation is accelerating, investing in digital and AI literacy is one of the most strategic moves you can make.
Here’s why:
- 76% of UK employers are still experiencing talent shortages in 2025, despite a slight improvement from previous years.
- IT and data skills are now the most in-demand skill sets in the UK job market, having risen from eighth place in 2014 to the top spot in 2025.
- The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) estimates that 7.9 million people in the UK will still lack basic digital skills by the end of this year.
- 28% of employers are actively investing in upskilling their current workforce to improve internal mobility and reduce recruitment costs.
Beyond just numbers, these stats act as signals. Signals that the businesses prepared to invest in digital capability today will be the ones who excel tomorrow.
How Do I Get Trained on AI?
For most professionals, “AI training” doesn’t mean learning to build algorithms or neural networks. It means understanding how to:
- Use AI tools like Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT
- Interpret AI-generated insights
- Make data-driven decisions
- Communicate findings clearly and confidently
In other words, it’s about building digital fluency, not technical mastery.
There are several ways to get started:
- Online courses for foundational knowledge
- Workshops and bootcamps for hands-on experience
- Structured programmes like apprenticeships that blend learning with real-world application
But the most effective training doesn’t just teach tools, it builds confidence, encourages curiosity, and aligns with your business goals.
What Is the Best AI Training Programme?
The “best” AI training programme isn’t necessarily the one with the most technical content.
It’s the one that helps your people solve real problems, collaborate across teams, and drive measurable impact.
That’s why many HR leaders are turning to programmes like Instep UK’s Data Skills & Confidence Level 3. While it’s not solely focused on AI, it’s designed to:
- Build foundational data literacy
- Improve reporting and automation skills
- Develop communication and presentation confidence
- Encourage cross-functional collaboration
It’s ideal for professionals in operations, admin, technical support, and even HR—anyone who works with data but hasn’t had formal training.
And here’s the best part: if your company pays into the Apprenticeship Levy, this programme can be fully funded. Even non-levy payers can access 95% government funding, making it a cost-effective way to upskill your workforce.
“The half-life of tech-specific skills has dropped to just 2.5 years,” Al Bird notes. “What we need are adaptable, confident learners who can evolve with the tools.”
This programme is designed to do exactly that.
How Do I Introduce AI Training?
If you’re looking to introduce AI training into your business, here’s a simple roadmap:
- Start with Awareness
Host a lunch-and-learn or internal webinar to demystify AI and show how it’s already being used in your industry. - Identify Key Roles
Focus on roles that work with data, reporting, or decision-making. These are often the quickest wins. - Choose the Right Programme
Look for training that’s practical, flexible, and aligned with your business goals—not just technical theory. - Use the Apprenticeship Levy
Leverage existing funding to make training accessible and sustainable. - Measure and Share Impact
Track improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and confidence. Share success stories internally to build momentum.
Can I Train AI on My Own?
This is a common question—and the answer depends on what you mean by “train AI.”
- If you mean learn how to use AI tools, then yes. There are plenty of free and low-cost resources to help individuals get started.
- If you mean build or train your own AI models, that’s more advanced and typically requires programming skills, data science knowledge, and access to large datasets.
But here’s the thing: most businesses don’t need to build AI, they simply need to use it effectively. And that starts with people who understand how to work with data, ask the right questions, and communicate insights clearly.
That’s why you should be thinking strategically about AI training.
Build Confidence, Not Just Capability
AI is powerful, but it’s only as effective as the people using it.
That’s why the most impactful AI training doesn’t just teach tools. Instead, it builds confidence. It empowers people to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and lead with insight.
If you’re ready to take the next step, consider exploring Instep UK’s Data Skills & Confidence Level 3 apprenticeship programme to kick off your company’s AI training.
Why? It’s a practical, business-aligned programme that helps your people, and your company, thrive in a data-driven world.
Because the future of work isn’t just about AI. It’s about people who know how to use it.
