Leeds is at the centre of the AI skills conversation for National Apprenticeship Week
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Leeds was the host of a major event as local, national, and international employers gathered to explore how apprenticeships can support more effective adoption of AI across businesses.
Organised by QA Ltd, the UK’s leading digital, data and technology training provider, and sponsored by Microsoft, the event took place in Leeds City Centre and featured employers including Yorkshire Building Society and Royal Mail.
The event focused on the practical skills organisations need to move from AI ambition to real-world application. Attendees discussed how organisations across different sectors are building AI and digital capability within their workforces through structured, work-based training.
A central theme throughout the event was how employers can use apprenticeships and funding from the Apprenticeship Levy to embed AI skills at scale across their organisations. Discussions highlighted the role apprenticeships can play in improving productivity and supporting innovation, particularly as AI reshapes job roles and operating models.
Digital skills are recognised as being a key driver of economic growth and opportunity across West Yorkshire through its Digital Blueprint which highlights the need to support businesses and their employees to develop the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
The event formed part of QA’s wider programme of activity for National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates the impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and local economies.
Jo Bishenden, Chief Learning Officer at QA, said:
“It was brilliant to see so many organisations come together in Leeds for such a focused and energising conversation about AI skills. What really stood out is that businesses don’t just need access to new technology but they need the confidence and capability to use it well.
“Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to build those skills at scale, helping people focus on the work that really matters while driving productivity and innovation.”
Christopher Brierley-Roberts, Senior Training Lead at Microsoft, said:
“At Microsoft, we see apprenticeships as a critical way to build AI capability across organisations, particularly in supporting people early in their careers. That’s why we were proud to support this event and be part of such a positive, practical conversation about how employers can develop the skills needed to use AI to supercharge their workforce.”
Nana Akande, Director of Data Products and Services at Royal Mail Group, said:
“This event really captured the scale of the opportunity around AI and apprenticeships. With a large and diverse workforce, building AI capability at scale is a long-term priority for us and apprenticeships play a vital role in helping our people progress as technology evolves.
“We’re proud to support colleagues to develop the digital and data skills we need for the future, and it was inspiring to hear how other employers are using apprenticeships to drive innovation.”
Amber Ali, Emerging Talent Partner at the Yorkshire Building Society, said:
“It was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm for how apprenticeships can be used to build digital skills and support the adoption of AI. For us, digital capability needs to be part of everyone’s role, and apprenticeships give colleagues the confidence to develop new skills at different levels across the organisation. Events like this really highlight the ambition and commitment organisations have to building an AI-ready workforce.”