STORY IN BULLETS
- The University of Kent is investing in staff apprenticeships to support responsible and effective use of AI across teaching, research and professional services.
- An initial cohort of around 25 staff began their apprenticeship journey in November, forming a pilot group ahead of a wider roll-out planned for Spring.
- The initiative supports Kent’s AI Principles and the deployment of its institutional AI platform.
- The programme focuses on developing the skills, confidence and recognised expertise staff need to apply AI meaningfully in their roles.
- Kent is aligning platform, policy and professional development to create a coordinated framework for responsible AI adoption.
FULL RELEASE
March 2026, London –
The University of Kent has launched a major investment in workforce development, placing staff apprenticeships at the centre of its approach to embedding artificial intelligence (AI) across teaching, research and professional services.
An initial cohort of approximately 25 learners began their apprenticeship journey in November, forming a pilot group ahead of a wider institutional roll-out this Spring. The initiative supports Kent’s recently introduced AI Principles and the deployment of its institutional AI platform, designed to provide a secure environment for appropriate and transparent use of AI.
Building Capability Alongside Technology
Kent’s AI platform supports teaching, learning, research, accessibility and operational activity within an institutionally governed framework. However, the university recognises that access to technology alone does not change practice.
The apprenticeship programme focuses on developing the skills, confidence and recognised expertise staff need to apply AI meaningfully in their own roles. By giving colleagues structured time to learn and experiment within their professional context, the university aims to ensure AI enhances existing practice rather than sitting alongside it.
Supporting Students Through Confident Practice
The initiative forms part of Kent’s wider work to help students develop the skills required in an AI-enabled workplace. By building staff understanding first, the university aims to model appropriate and transparent use of AI within teaching, assessment and services.
Phil Anthony, Head of AI at the University of Kent, said:
“AI is already part of how people study and work. Our role as a university is to help staff understand how to use it securely and confidently in their real roles.
These apprenticeships give colleagues the time and structure to build that capability, so AI supports teaching and services rather than becoming a shortcut or an add-on.”
A Coordinated Approach to Adoption
Alongside platform deployment and professional development, Kent has introduced guidance to support the responsible use of AI across the institution. By aligning the platform, principles, and staff capabilities, the university is developing a coordinated approach that enables innovation while reducing risk.
With the Apprenticeship pilot underway and wider roll-out planned, the programme demonstrates how structured staff development can help universities integrate AI into everyday academic and professional practice in a sustainable way.
Loretta Finch, People Development Manager and Apprenticeships Lead at the University of Kent, said:
“Working with a training provider like Cambridge Spark, one that takes the time to understand your business, listens to your employees, and acts on feedback, is what truly defines a high-quality Apprenticeship Provider.
At Kent, we value apprenticeships and the vital role they play in supporting lifelong learning and development. As AI and data become essential skills for our workforce, it is more important than ever that we grow these capabilities across the organisation through apprenticeships.”
ENDS
About Cambridge Spark
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Cambridge Spark is one of the largest digital skills education providers in the UK. It helps businesses upskill their workforces in AI and data skills through immersive, practical, and educational programmes and has worked with household-name firms across various industries. In 2024, it was listed in The Sunday Times 100 of the UK's fastest-growing companies.
About the University of Kent
The University of Kent is a UK higher education institution with campuses in Canterbury and Medway. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and is recognised for its research, teaching excellence and strong links with industry and public sector partners. Kent is committed to providing high-quality education and equipping students and staff with the skills needed to succeed in a changing world.
For more information, please contact:
Cambridge Spark
Abigail Leachman, Head of Marketing Operations
abby@cambridgespark.com