Mitie has welcomed the first cohort of apprentices to a new AI skills programme to accelerate AI adoption.
The initial Mitie colleagues have enrolled in a first of its kind ‘AI Productivity Champion’ programme. Designed in response to a changing business landscape to develop digitally literate workforces, the programme will be delivered by Corndel in partnership with Imperial College London and supported by Microsoft.
With plans to upskill 150 colleagues this year, this programme is the first of three AI programmes to be introduced by Mitie with the apprentices based across the UK, including Birmingham and Nottingham. Colleagues joining these training programmes currently hold a variety of roles, reflective of Mitie’s diverse workforce, including engineering, HR and project management.
These 12-month long courses will equip colleagues with high-quality, role-relevant AI and data skills. Designed to accelerate the adoption of Microsoft Copilot and similar tools, the initiative will empower colleagues to embed AI into everyday work to unlock new skills, confidence, and ways of working.
Participants will also take on roles as “AI Productivity Champions”, driving innovation and fostering a culture of digital transformation across the organisation. Beyond delving into the AI fundamentals, apprentices will also learn how to support and train others in their teams, enabling the seamless integration of AI across Mitie’s workforce.
Apprenticeships and continuous learning are cornerstones of colleague development at Mitie, with around 1,600 apprentices currently within the business, many of whom are focused on digital skills, data and intelligence.
Kathryn Dolan, Chief People Officer, Mitie and Co-Executive Sponsor of the Academy, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome our first cohort of colleagues to Mitie’s AI Productivity Champion programme. This marks a significant milestone in our journey to equip our people with the digital skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
“By investing in cutting-edge training and partnering with industry leaders like Corndel, Imperial, and Microsoft, we’re adding another string to Mitie’s bow in its digital transformation – reinforcing our commitment to innovation, growth, and colleague development.”
Sean Cosgrove, Chief Commercial Officer, Corndel, said:
“Mitie is tackling one of the most important challenges in AI adoption, understanding that success isn’t just about access to the tools, it’s about equipping people with the right skills. Their ambitious, first-mover approach means they will unlock the benefits of AI faster than most.
“At Corndel, we believe AI is the future of work, and organisations that invest early in the right skills will drive meaningful innovation and growth. Through our AI Academy, powered by Microsoft’s cutting-edge tools and Imperial’s world-leading insight, we’re helping Mitie build a workforce that is AI-ready.”
