Closing the energy and utilities sector’s digital skills gap starts with people. Next month, that principle is put into practice as the first cohort begins the new Level 4 AI & Digital Transformation apprenticeship, at The Clancy Group in partnership with Baltic Apprenticeships.
Brought together through Energy & Utility Skills Group’s work with the UK-wide Energy & Utility Skills Partnership (EUSP), the programme provides a new route for employers to develop the digital skills needed for a rapidly evolving sector and for employees to stay at the cutting edge of technology skills.
The apprenticeship was identified as a practical response to growing demand for digital, data and AI skills, supporting employers to build capability within their existing workforce while making effective use of apprenticeship levy investment. Read the story behind the partnership here.
The first cohort, who completed their inductions this summer, brings together colleagues from a wide range of roles across The Clancy Group. Interest in the programme significantly exceeded the number of places available, highlighting the large appetite for digital upskilling across the organisation and industry.
Delivered at Level 4, the programme runs for around 15 months, followed by an end-point assessment period. Learners will explore topics including digital transformation, AI-powered business processes, business analysis, data-driven decision making and change management, helping them develop skills that can be applied directly within their day-to-day roles. The format combines self-led modules with live remote sessions, with space built in to apply each module directly on the job.
Emily Pink, Business Assurance Lead, wants to develop practical role based skills:
“AI is becoming a bigger part of everyday work, so I wanted to better understand how it can be used in practice and where it can genuinely add value to the business,” she added, “I’m hoping to build practical AI and digital transformation skills that I can apply in my role, helping improve processes, solve problems more efficiently and support future change across the business.”
For Joe Hobbs, Contract Manager, the appeal will be sharing his learning with his wider team members:
“I want to understand how the correct prompts, information and tools can be used to support colleagues and improve the way we work. With a stronger understanding myself, I can have the right conversations, challenge ideas constructively, and address questions or concerns appropriately.”
And Wilf Perry, Business Development Associate, wants to understand how AI can be used to improve existing business processes:
“I applied for the programme to develop my understanding of AI and enhance my ability to use advanced AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency within the bid team,” he added, “I want to expand my knowledge of AI-driven automation and learn how to use these technologies to streamline workflows, improve productivity, and add greater value to the business.”
The timing matters beyond The Clancy Group. The sector needs to recruit a minimum of 312,000 new people by 2030 and equipping that future workforce with digital as well as technical skills is central to the EUSP Skills Strategy’s ambition to strengthen long-term workforce resilience.
Matt Cannon, CEO of The Clancy Group, said:
“The response from colleagues has been incredibly encouraging and demonstrates the appetite that exists for developing digital and AI skills not only in our organisation, but the wider sector. We see these capabilities becoming increasingly important across our business as technology continues to transform how we work, deliver projects and serve our clients. This programme provides an opportunity to invest in our people, build future capability and equip colleagues with skills that will support both their own development and the long-term success of our business.”
Tony Hobbs, CEO of Baltic Apprenticeships, said:
“Employers across every sector are recognising the importance of AI and digital skills, but many are still looking for practical routes to develop those capabilities. This programme has been designed to give learners the opportunity to build valuable knowledge and apply it directly within their roles from day one, making it highly relevant to employers who want to see the link between skills development, and business success quickly.
We’re excited to welcome the first cohort and to work alongside The Clancy Group to support their development over the coming months.”
Looking ahead
Energy & Utility Skills Group, The Clancy Group and Baltic Apprenticeships will continue to share updates as the programme develops, showcasing learner experiences, programme milestones and how new AI and digital skills are being applied in practice.
For more information on the new Level 4 AI & Digital Apprenticeship programme, head to the Baltic Apprenticeships website.
To discuss how Energy & Utility Skills can work with you to support future industry partnerships, clearer career pathways, apprenticeship planning or sector entry, contact collaborate@euskills.co.uk.
