SMEs in the PR industry are able to apply for Government funding for AI training – and PRCA’s AI training is eligible

7 May 2024

The Government has launched a pilot programme providing part-funding in AI skills, and PRCA’s training is eligible for support. Under the Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot, SMEs in the Professional and Business Services sector (which includes PR) can apply for a share of grant funding for up to 50% of the cost of training employees in AI skills.

PRCA’s training in AI has seen considerable growth as the industry gets to grips with new technology. Current courses include:

Harnessing AI Ethically for Competitive Advantage (webinar) –search here for all current dates
An Introduction to AI in PR & Communications – search here for all current dates
How AI is already being used for media evaluation and sentiment analysis - search here for all current dates
ChatGPT for PR and Communications – search here for all current dates
Bespoke TrainingPlease note that ANY session can be tailored and brought in-house with Bespoke Training.

New dates will be added to meet demand.

Businesses can apply for funding through a competitive application exercise, which includes signing up to take part in a subsequent evaluation of the pilot. Details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flexible-ai-upskilling-fund/flexible-ai-upskilling-fund-pilot-application-guidance and applications must be in by 18 August 2024. Training must start no earlier than the approval of funding (likely September 2024 for successful applicants) and be completed and requests for grant payment must be submitted by March 2025.

PRCA members already qualify for a discount on training courses above, so members successful in their bid to the Fund would receive 50% part-funding based on this discounted price.

The Government’s purpose is to incentivise greater investment in skills, increase AI adoption and use AI to achieve productivity benefits. PRCA Chief Executive James Hewes welcomed the initiative. He said: ‘AI is here to stay, but our industry, like all creative industries, has a great deal to do to ensure that we harness its undoubted possibilities while mitigating against serious risks. We welcome the support of the Government in training up our sector for the new challenges awaiting us.’

For queries about bespoke training please contact Souha.khairallah@prca.org.