AI Career Launchpad
The AI Career Launchpad is a new six-month Government-funded training programme delivered by Barnsley College. It brings together practical learning and employer placements to help local people develop their skills while supporting Barnsley businesses to put artificial intelligence (AI) into practice.
The programme follows Barnsley being named as the country's first Tech Town. It combines training in College with opportunities to tackle real challenges faced by employers. Participants will learn how to use AI, digital systems and data to improve processes, reduce administration and support better services.
These skills can be applied across a wide range of roles, such as HR, operations, marketing, finance.
Applications are open until 22 November with only 20 spaces available.
For student enquiries, call 01226 216 123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk.
Students
Develop your skills and gain workplace experience
Interested in AI and how it could shape your next career step? The AI Career Launchpad gives you the opportunity to build practical knowledge, gain experience with a local employer and receive financial support while you train.
What you can expect
- Three days each week in College, developing technical AI, digital and employability skills.
- Two days each week on placement, putting your learning into practice with a local employer.
- £10,902.50 in financial support across the six-month programme, paid as a stipend in six monthly instalments, subject to continued participation and the programme’s payment arrangements.
- Practical projects and employer experience to build your confidence and prepare you for your next step.
- Starting 18 January 2027
You’ll explore AI, digital technologies, automation, data, productivity tools and business applications of AI, alongside professional skills and workplace behaviours. You’ll also learn how to use AI responsibly.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to people aged 18 and over. You’ll need basic digital skills and the ability to commit to three days in College and two days on placement each week for six months.
Applicants will normally have a relevant Level 3 qualification or professional experience, alongside Level 2 English and Maths. Full entry requirements and assessment details are available on the course page.
Applications are open until 22 November with only 20 spaces available.
For student enquiries, call 01226 216 123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk.
Employers
Bring practical AI skills into your business
Could AI help your business save time, reduce administration or improve services? Become a placement partner and give a learner the opportunity to apply their developing skills to meaningful projects within your organisation.
The programme welcomes businesses of any size and sector in Barnsley and the surrounding area, and is particularly suited to small and medium-sized businesses. You don’t need to be using AI already.
What your business can gain
- Early access to people developing practical AI and digital skills.
- A learner working with your organisation two days each week for six months, through a Government-funded placement.
- Support with projects that explore how AI could improve your processes and services.
- The opportunity to help shape a curriculum that will be shared with colleges nationally.
What we ask of placement partners
- Host a learner from January to June 2027.
- Provide a named supervisor.
- Offer meaningful AI-related work or projects.
- Share feedback to help us develop the programme.
Become a placement partner
To register your interest and find out more, contact Gill Kelly, Head of Department, Digital and Creative, at g.kelly@barnsley.ac.uk.
