The Essex Centre for Data Analytics (ecda) has launched an AI Academy for staff working within Essex County Council, the University of Essex and Thurrock Council.
Fully funded by the apprenticeship levy, ecda’s new academy will train 70 team members on AI-specific skills. The goal of the programme is to strengthen public sector capabilities and foster further cooperation to deliver improved services for local people.
Training will be delivered by Multiverse, an upskilling platform for AI and tech adoption. Multiverse has trained more than 20,000 apprentices in AI, data and digital skills since 2016.
Of the initial cohort, 40 team members will be enrolled onto AI for Business Value, a 13-month Level 4 apprenticeship which enables individuals to design ethical AI solutions that are grounded in the needs of the organisation. A further 30 will complete AI-Powered Productivity, a Level 3 programme, which helps teams to streamline internal workflows by using GenAI tools effectively in their daily tasks.
Nicola Mallett, Head of Profession Data, Analytics and Performance, at Essex County Council said: "We are committed to empowering our workforce with the AI skills needed to enable them to navigate the use of everyday AI to enhance productivity and identify transformative opportunities for local services. Through this apprenticeship programme, we will equip our staff with the knowledge to implement AI ethically and robustly, enabling them to work more efficiently and collaboratively, ultimately driving better outcomes for Essex communities."
Sarah Tattersall, Assistant Registrar at the University of Essex said: “Investing in AI upskilling, through the apprenticeship levy, is a great way for us to better understand the benefits AI can deliver and provide an additional way to develop our staff in cutting edge technologies. We are excited to see the impact this learning will have for the University, and how it improves the student experience over the coming months.”
Dan Fenwick, Executive Director - Corporate Services at Thurrock Council said: “We’re always looking for ways to enhance our capabilities and deliver the best outcomes for Thurrock residents. The academy will help our teams to use technology to respond to residents’ needs more efficiently and effectively.”
Multiverse combines work and learning to unlock economic opportunity for everyone. It works with more than 1,500 organisations to close critical skill gaps in the workforce in AI, data and tech, through a new kind of apprenticeship.
Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse said: “The ecda is a brilliant example of how collaboration between public sector organisations can strengthen capabilities and deliver meaningful benefits for local communities. By developing AI skills across both the university and council teams, we’re ultimately improving the efficiency and quality of services delivered to residents and businesses alike. They're setting a great example other local authorities could follow and see similar benefits from.”
