Upskilling platform Multiverse has pledged to train 15,000 new artificial intelligence apprentices over the next two years, in a major push to address critical skills shortages across the UK and US. The move comes amid soaring demand for AI expertise, with the technology expected to add £79.3 billion to the UK economy by 2035.
Despite this potential, more than half of the workforce has received minimal AI training, and a third of FTSE 100 companies made no mention of AI skills in their most recent annual reports. Multiverse aims to shift that narrative by partnering with over 1,500 employers—including Visa, Skanska, Capita and Legal & General—to offer AI apprenticeships nationwide.
With a current base of 2,200 AI apprentices already in place, the expansion highlights a clear appetite for accessible training across sectors and regions, from Wigan to Maidstone. The new apprenticeships are designed not just for new recruits but also for upskilling existing employees, with costs covered by the Growth and Skills Levy.
“Our commitment to 15,000 AI apprenticeships is a bold declaration that AI skills must be for everyone, at every stage of their career,” said Euan Blair, CEO of Multiverse. Participants will receive tailored training in areas such as AI ethics, data management and machine learning, reflecting the evolving demands of modern workplaces.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle welcomed the initiative, noting that adapting to AI is vital for the UK’s future prosperity. “It is vital that British people have the right skills to make the most of the new opportunities tech presents,” he said.
Multiverse is also working with Microsoft on its ‘Get On’ campaign, which aims to equip one million people with essential AI skills by 2025. This includes the launch of the AI-Powered Productivity apprenticeship—the UK’s first accredited programme to include Microsoft 365 Copilot—offering targeted training to address the reality that 51% of workers have received less than five hours of AI instruction.
Further partnerships, such as with Mencap, have led to specialised programmes like the 13-month 'AI for Business Value' apprenticeship, which offers advanced training and leads to a BSc in Data Science. The focus is on responsible AI use across business operations.
Multiverse’s expansion is underpinned by strong financial backing, having secured $220 million in a recent funding round. The company reports an 85% completion rate for its Software Engineering programmes and prioritises diversity: 56% of apprentices are people of colour, and 34% come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
As AI continues to transform industries, initiatives like these are helping to prepare the workforce for a digital future. Multiverse’s strategic investment in skills development sets a clear path toward inclusive innovation and long-term economic growth.
Created by Amplify: AI-augmented, human-curated content.
