From a distant vision of the future to a pivotal workplace reality, Artificial Intelligence has had a huge, and rapid, emergence in recent years. And whilst the technology isn’t quite the all-encompassing, world-dominating force that many thought it may become, there can be no denying that AI is already influencing the way we live.
Since AI’s watershed moment in 2022, its evolution has disrupted ways of working across industries, prompting organisations to rethink how they operate and how their employees carry out their day-to-day roles.
By the end of 2024, a remarkable 75% of workplaces had incorporated AI tools into their operations, with nearly half adopting these technologies within just six months. This signals a rapid transformation in work processes, productivity, and business strategy.
As AI evolves and its impact deepens, the challenge for organisations is not if they’ll adopt AI, but when they do, and how they’ll develop the internal capabilities needed to leverage it. This is where initiatives such as AI apprenticeships have incredible potential, helping to equip both current teams and future talent with the know-how to thrive in a technology-driven era.
How AI is unlocking new potential in the workplace
Based on insights gathered from organisations already utilising the tech, AI’s integration is already delivering dramatic results. For example, according to research from 2024, 90% of employees regularly use AI to save time on routine tasks. Meanwhile, programmers adopting AI tools are managing to complete 126% more projects each week than their non-AI-using peers. This evidence underscores AI’s ability to boost efficiency, streamline complex workflows, and elevate organisational performance.
Yet, these advancements are also raising new concerns. While 65% of staff have employed AI tools such as ChatGPT on the job, 45% fear the very tools that are currently driving increased productivity could in fact eventually render their roles obsolete. This blend of empowerment and apprehension signals the necessity for businesses to prioritise transparency, support, and thorough training, enabling their teams to confidently navigate the AI-powered future.
Addressing perceptions of the AI capability gap
Despite widespread adoption of AI, research suggests that many business leaders feel unprepared to manage its integrations. Meanwhile, some companies are reporting difficulties in sourcing AI-literate talent.
In 2024, 68% of leaders cited challenges in attracting individuals skilled in AI. However, McKinsey research suggests this perceived shortage might be overstated. They found that, while nearly all C-suite executives (99%) and employees (94%) are aware of generative AI solutions, leaders are significantly underestimating day-to-day usage of AI tools.
The leaders asked estimated just 4% of their workforce uses AI for at least 30% of their work, when employees report that figure is actually three times higher. Moreover, 47% of employees believe AI will soon play a major part in their tasks, compared to just 20% of leaders sharing this outlook.
This gap reveals an urgent need for better insight into workforce capabilities and proactive skills development.
The imperative need for AI education and training
AI’s expanding presence in workplaces and workforce processes highlights a need to develop and provide comprehensive training that’ll enable organisations and their people to get the absolute most from the technology
Nearly half of employees, according to McKinsey, express a desire to receive formal AI education, as well as access to new tools and pilot initiatives to deepen their expertise. However, over 20% indicate they receive little or no support in building their Artificial Intelligence competencies, leaving them and the organisations they work for at risk of stagnation as technology advances.
Without substantial investment in workforce training and future-proofing skills, businesses may miss out on both innovation and untapped talent. Robust, accessible, and adaptable training programmes are essential to close this widening gap.
AI Apprenticeships: Driving Strategic Workforce Evolution
AI apprenticeships are more than training. Providing structured pathways to hands-on experience with AI tech, whilst contributing to the businesses who provide such opportunities, they are catalysts for organisational and personal transformation.
By offering a structured framework for acquiring AI experience, Artificial Intelligence apprenticeships can:
- Identify and nurture individuals with enthusiasm and foundational knowledge in AI
- Provide ongoing, relevant training that adapts as technology progresses
- Translate theoretical learning into hands-on, real-world application
- Empower companies to foster in-house AI expertise while supporting employee growth
Investing in AI apprenticeships strengthens the pipeline of skilled professionals who are aligned with organisational vision and equipped to adapt as AI reshapes the business landscape.
Recruit, Train, Deploy: Bringing our AI Apprenticeships model to life
Recognising the growing need and urgency for building AI capabilities across industries and the organisations within them, we have – leveraging our expertise and extensive experience of nurturing and developing talent – devised a comprehensive AI apprenticeship solution delivered via our Recruit, Train, Deploy model.
We Recruit
By tapping into our extensive talent communities, we identify individuals with the passion, aptitude, and potential to excel in AI roles. Whether they are early-career professionals or experienced employees seeking to upskill, we find candidates who are ready to embrace the future of work.
We Train
In collaboration with the UK’s leading AI apprenticeship training provider, we deliver accelerated, customisable training programs that cover:
- Core data analysis and Python fundamentals, including the building blocks of modern AI systems.
- Advanced AI and machine learning tools, to equip learners with cutting-edge capabilities.
- Tailored learning pathways designed to meet the specific needs and timelines of each organisation.
Our AI development programmes span Apprenticeship Levels 4 to 6 and include AI bootcamps and enterprise upskilling initiatives lasting 8-16 weeks. This ensures that both new hires and existing employees receive the training they need to succeed.
We Deploy
Once trained, apprentices are placed into roles where they can immediately contribute. This not only helps organisations fill critical skills gaps but also provides individuals with a clear, supported pathway into a futureproof career.
Proven Outcomes and Tangible Impact
The potential of our AI apprenticeship programmes is proven in its success. Our approach, driven by specialists who have the insight, experience and expertise to guide employers and employees alike through the AI revolution delivers real, measurable outcomes:
- 100% apprenticeship completion rate
- 60%+ of learners achieve distinction or merit grades (compared to a 33% industry average)
- Over 5,000 AI and data specialists trained
- 12-15 month apprenticeships with rapid return on investment
- Zero-cost upskilling through the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy
Throughout the AI apprenticeship journey, we provide end-to-end support, managing the entire process from candidate selection to course completion, with the goal of ensuring that both learners and organisations succeed in the short and long term.
Embrace the Future: Build Your AI Capabilities Today
AI is no longer a distant prospect, it is shaping workplaces now. The organisations that prioritise AI skills development will be the frontrunners in tomorrow’s economy.
Impellam Project Services’ AI Apprenticeships provide a strategic, scalable, and cost-efficient solution to cultivating the talent your business needs to excel in the era of AI.
Whether you’re aiming to close skills gaps as a business leader or looking to secure your own future as a professional, our Recruit, Train, Deploy model is the launchpad to your next chapter.
Contact: chris.blackburn@impellam.com
