Artificial Intelligence is no longer on the horizon, it’s here, shaping how businesses operate, how people work, and what customers expect. But when technology is advancing rapidly, the confidence and skills to use it effectively are often still playing catch-up.
That’s the gap we’re setting out to close with our latest apprenticeship programme, one of the first in the North East to focus specifically on practical, workplace-based AI skills. Launched in collaboration with Technology Services Group (TSG), the programme gives learners and employers the tools, structure, and support to turn AI from a buzzword into a working solution.
This isn’t about learning to code algorithms or build complex models. It’s about helping real people in real roles get more done, more easily, using tools they already have access to, like Microsoft 365 Copolit, but might not yet know how to use to their full potential.
The Challenge? Tools Without Confidence
Over the past year, many businesses have gained access to powerful new digital tools, especially those built into everyday platforms like Microsoft 365. But for many teams, that access hasn’t translated into impact.
“We were seeing a clear need”, says Paul Smissen, Director of Zenith Training.
“People were being given access to AI tools but weren’t sure what to do with them, or how to use them in a way that felt secure, appropriate, or even relevant to their actual job.”
There was also a growing sense among employers that they needed to act, not just to stay competitive, but to make sure their teams felt confident navigating the changes that AI is bringing to their day-to-day roles.
“It’s not just a tech problem,” adds Paul “It’s a people problem. And it needs a people focused solution.”
The Solution? A Grounded Approach to Digital Upskilling
Zenith’s AI-Integrated Apprenticeship is built around a simple but powerful idea: the best way to learn how to use AI at work is to use AI at work, with support, structure, and expert guidance.
The programme gives learners the chance to:
- Explore where AI can help in their current role
- Learn to use tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot in meaningful, safe ways
- Work on real-life projects with real outcomes for their businesses
- Gain a recognised qualification while creating visible impact in their workplace
Each learner is encouraged to identify opportunities within their own role or team, whether that is automating a time-consuming process, improving how information is managed, or making better use of data to inform decisions.
And critically, they’re not doing it alone.
Through the programme, Zenith has partnered with Technology Services Group (TSG), a nationally recognised provider of digital transformation services, to ensure both apprentices and employers have the technical backing they need.
TSG works directly with participating employers to:
- Configure and manage digital tools like Copilot
- Create secure environments for AI to be used responsibly
- Advise on best practices for safe, ethical adoption
- Support real-time deployment and integration within teams
What Employers Can Expect: Built for Real-World Impact
The AI-Integrated Apprenticeship has already attracted strong interest from forward-thinking employers across the North East and Beyond, spanning across sectors such as finance, manufacturing, hospitality and professional services.
While the programme is still in its early stages, it’s been designed from the ground up to deliver practical, measurable impact in the workplace from day one. Here’s what participating employers can expect:
- Smart workflows: Apprentices will learn how to use AI tools to automate repetitive tasks, streamline documentation, and simplify day-to-day processes.
- Greater productivity: With the right support and training, teams can unlock more time for high-value, strategic, and customer-focused work.
- Future-ready skills: Apprentices won’t just be learning about AI, they’ll be applying it directly in their roles, helping to shape how their organisation evolved,
- Cost-effective upskilling: As a government-funded apprenticeship, the programme offers a valuable opportunity for employers to invest in digital transformation with minimal financial risk.
“We’ve had strong early engagement from employers who can see the potential,” says Paul Smissen, Director of Zenith Training.
“This is about building digital confidence and capability in a way that’s practical, supported, and focused on what really matters to each business.”
With expert guidance from TSG and hands-on learning embedding into the programme, the apprenticeship I set to deliver long-term value, helping organisations develop in-house digital champions who understand both the tools and the context in which they’re being used.
Why it Matters: More Than Just Tech
One of the most important aspects of the programme is that it never loses sight of the bigger picture: this isn’t about using AI for the sake of it, it’s about helping people do their jobs better.
That’s why the training is focused on practical use cases, realistic applications, and ethical, secure deployment. Apprentices are taught not just how to use AI tools, but how to think critically about when to use them, how to communicate their value, and how to embed them sustainably within their teams.
“We’re not creating AI specialists, we’re helping people across all roles and industries feel confident using the tools that are already becoming part of working life,” explains Paul.
“And that confidence makes a huge difference, not just to productivity, but to morale and adaptability too.”
Looking Ahead: A Model for the Future
As the digital skills gap continues to grow, programmes like this are becoming essential, not just for tech-focused businesses, but for any organisation looking to build resilience, efficiency, and long-term capability.
With its hands-on approach, strong employer partnerships, and focus on real-world application, the AI-Integration Apprenticeship is fast becoming a blueprint for digital skills development across the region, and a model that other industries and regions are watching closely.
Could Your Business Benefit from This Programme?
We’re now working with employers of all sizes to help them bring this apprenticeship into their teams. Whether you’re exploring your first steps with AI or looking to accelerate your existing digital capability, our team guide you through what’s possible and how to make it work for your business.
Learn more here: AI Integration for Business Growth – Zenith Training