The Debenhams Group has launched a new training program called AI Skills Academy in an effort to give its staff practical AI skills.
This program from Debenhams intends to close the AI skills gap in its workforce and was created in collaboration with workforce development platform Multiverse.
Debenhams Group’s £1.35 million ($1.79 million) Apprenticeship Levy, a UK government-backed fund intended to support work-based learning initiatives, provides all of the funding for the AI Skills Academy.
According to Debenhams, the program is designed to provide on-the-job training that directly supports the business’s operations.
The academy will teach staff members how to use AI tools to increase productivity and take on more strategic tasks.
Additionally, Debenhams employees will receive training on how to use AI solutions to reduce manual labour and streamline operations. In order to accelerate the digital transition and lessen reliance on outside suppliers, they will also learn how to develop AI systems internally.
The new project is in line with the digital transformation roadmap of the Debenhams Group, which places a strong emphasis on “innovation and continuous learning.
According to the company, a thorough internal communication campaign will be used to introduce the program to staff members, including in-person sessions conducted by Multiverse experts.
Dan Finley, CEO of the Debenhams Group, stated: “Investing in our people is just as important as investing in our systems when it comes to adopting AI. We’re equipping our teams to think differently, work more efficiently, and create for the future with the launch of the AI Skills Academy. This is about maximising each coworker’s potential to spur genuine innovation throughout the organisation.
Through its different retail brands, such as Debenhams, Karen Millen, boohoo, boohooMAN, and PrettyLittleThing, the group sells fashion, home, and beauty products.
The business last month signed a multi-year agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to use AI-powered solutions to streamline processes and help new brands grow.
Peak was engaged in June by Debenhams Group to restructure its pricing and promotions strategy, introducing an AI-driven system for determining prices on a wide range of goods from multiple brands.