Barnsley College receives share of £800,000 bring AI training into workplaces and communities

Barnsley College has secured funding to bring practical artificial intelligence (AI) training directly to health and social care staff and the wider community.

The College is taking mobile AI training units directly to hospital and social care staff and the wider community, offering practical taster sessions that build confidence and support career progression.

The training scheme is one of four projects to receive a share of £800,000 through the AI Upskilling Challenge Fund. Barnsley College has received £184,403 from the fund.

The projects form part of Barnsley’s Tech Town initiative, exploring how AI can improve public services, strengthen local businesses and create opportunities for jobs and skills. Successful solutions from the pilot could set a national blueprint.

David Akeroyd, Principal and CEO of Barnsley College, said: “Health and social care staff do vital work, and Barnsley College is making it easier for them to develop AI skills around the demands of their roles.

“By offering flexible, practical training in workplaces and out in the community, we’ll help people build confidence in how AI could support their everyday work and progression – wherever they are in both their careers, and their understanding of AI.

“Barnsley’s Tech Town ambitions should create opportunities for people across our community. This funding will help us reach staff who might otherwise struggle to access training and give them an accessible starting point for developing new skills.”

The other funded projects, delivered by Atheni, Fossu (Ignite AI) and Optimise Cyber Solutions with their partners, will support workers in manufacturing, engineering and construction, small businesses, women returning to work and young people.

AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said: “The schemes we are backing in Barnsley will help set the standard for how we equip people from all walks of life with the skills and confidence they need.

“By working in partnership with businesses and communities, we are ensuring AI empowers workers, is shaped around local economic opportunities, and builds a future where everyone shares in the rewards.”

The funding builds on the College’s involvement in other Tech Town projects, including the AI Career Launchpad, which will offer six months of flexible training and paid work placements with employers.

Councillor Luke Wheat, Barnsley Council’s Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, said: “Tech Town is about making new technology work for Barnsley people and businesses. This funding means practical AI support will be taken directly into workplaces and communities across the borough.

“These four projects will help people build confidence and learn skills they can use in their jobs, both now and in the future. It’s about making sure new technology brings real benefits to people’s working lives.”