New Enterprise AI Academy to train 10,000 professionals

Corndel, in partnership with Imperial Executive Education and supported by Microsoft, has announced the launch of the Enterprise AI Academy, a programme designed to train 10,000 professionals in artificial intelligence (AI) by the end of 2025.

The initiative responds to the growing AI skills gap faced by many businesses today. With over half of employees lacking formal AI training, and a significant number adopting AI tools on their own, companies face potential risks in innovation, productivity, and data security. The new academy aims to bridge this gap by offering advanced AI education complemented by essential data skills, preparing organisations to enhance their innovation and compliance measures.

According to research by Corndel, 61% of employees have not received training specific to AI, and findings by Microsoft and LinkedIn reveal that 78% of AI users are introducing their own AI tools at work. This practice often misses out on the strategic advantages of AI used at scale, posing data risks as well. The programme's hands-on learning approach is tailored to meet these real-world business challenges.

James Kelly, CEO of Corndel, commented on the initiative: "At Corndel, we believe that AI is not just a tool—it is the future of work, and businesses that embrace its potential will drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. Our AI Academy is designed to equip businesses with the skills needed to integrate AI effectively, empowering leaders to make informed decisions and teams to apply AI-driven solutions that deliver real impact. With the power of Microsoft's innovation and Imperial's world-leading research and insight, we are ensuring that businesses are not just AI-ready but AI-driven."

David Brown, Director of Executive Education at Imperial Executive Education, stated: "AI is already transforming industries, and upskilling professionals to work effectively with these technologies is a global imperative. Through this groundbreaking collaboration with Corndel and Microsoft, we are creating a new standard for AI education that balances rigorous academic learning with practical business application and ethics."

Simon Lambert, Chief Learning Officer at Microsoft UK, highlighted Microsoft's perspective on the partnership: "At Microsoft, we recognise that AI is reshaping industries and creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation. However, to fully harness its potential, organisations must invest in developing AI skills within their workforce. This initiative with Corndel and Imperial exemplifies our UK commitment to empowering professionals with the necessary expertise to thrive in the AI-driven economy and, drive economic growth and competitiveness."

The Enterprise AI Academy offers four distinct programmes aimed at developing AI skills across various career paths. These include LEAD: Strategic AI Leadership, BUILD: AI Engineer, TRANSFORM: AI Changemaker, and ADOPT: AI Productivity Champion. Each programme is supported by collaborations with Microsoft and Imperial Executive Education and focuses on equipping participants with the skills required for AI integration and application in the workplace.

Corndel's human-centric approach integrates AI Fundamentals into all its programmes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of responsible AI adoption across leadership, human resources, technology, and data. The academy's goal is to enhance workplace productivity and maintain competitiveness in an AI-dominated environment. As industries continue to evolve, the skills developed here are expected to significantly impact the future of work.