In a significant endorsement of our approach to enhancing data, AI and digital skills, the Innovate UK funded Bridge AI programme has adopted the AI Skills for Business Competency Framework—a model directly inspired by the Data Skills for Work data personas.

The Bridge AI programme aims at equipping businesses with the necessary AI skills to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.  The Alan Turing Institute, who developed the new AI skills framework, used the Data Skills for Work framework as guidance due to its proven effectiveness in addressing the diverse skill requirements within the data and AI sectors. By basing their framework on our Data Skills for Work personas, Bridge AI recognises the value of a tailored, role-specific approach to skill development—a message we have championed since 2020.

This adoption marks a major milestone in The Data Lab’s efforts to shape the future of data AI and digital skills education and workforce readiness.

Anna Ashton Scott, Head of Skills at The Data Lab, comments:

“We are delighted by this endorsement that demonstrates that our Data Skills for Work framework is flexible and applicable across industry. We will be working to build in AI literacy as we develop and update our existing framework through our ongoing Data and AI Skills Assessment Research”

What is the AI Skills for Business Competency Framework?

The framework is designed to provide businesses with a clear understanding of the AI competencies needed across different roles. It draws heavily from the Data Skills for Work personas, which segment skills and competencies according to specific job roles, ensuring that training is both relevant and targeted. This approach helps organisations identify the precise skill sets their employees need, allowing them to invest in the most impactful training.

A Model of Success

Since its introduction, the Data Skills for Work personas have been instrumental in guiding thousands of learners and businesses in Scotland toward effective upskilling and reskilling pathways. The adoption of these personas by the Bridge AI programme is not only a testament to their success but also highlights their relevance beyond Scotland.

Endorsement of a Proven Approach

The decision by Bridge AI to model their competency framework on our personas is a strong endorsement of our methodology. It reflects confidence in the persona-based approach to skills development, which prioritises real-world applicability and business relevance. This alignment between our work and a UK-wide programme underlines the effectiveness of our framework in addressing the complexities of digital transformation and AI adoption.

Looking Ahead

As the Bridge AI programme rolls out, we are excited to see how our framework will contribute to shaping a skilled and adaptable workforce across the UK. This collaboration strengthens our resolve to continue innovating in the skills development space and affirms our commitment to delivering practical, impactful solutions for businesses navigating the digital age.

By aligning with national programmes like Bridge AI, we are not only influencing the current landscape but also setting the stage for future success in AI and data-driven industries. This achievement is a significant milestone, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of our work on both local and national scales.

For more information on the AI Skills for Business Competency Framework and its adoption by Bridge AI, please visit their website.