To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any work her Department is undertaking on Artificial Intelligence skills.

I recognise Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills are essential to driving economic growth, productivity and innovation. That is why, alongside Invest NI, my Department has provided £16.3 million in funding for the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), which delivers AI-related training and professional development opportunities, including more than 3,000 professional short courses and 390 postgraduate scholarships in AI-related disciplines, complemented by an AI Learning Lab providing accessible, self-led digital AI skills development.

In addition, my AI Advisory Panel, comprised of experts from academia, industry and government is advising on the implementation of recommendations from the Matrix report including those relating to skills and workforce development. My officials are also working closely with the Panel as part of a refresh of the Digital Skills Action Plan to ensure it reflects the growing importance of AI and supports workforce transitions in line with wider skills policy.

AI skills development is also being supported through employer-led programmes. Assured Skills Academies provide fully funded, demandled preemployment training, including recent AI and Data provision. In parallel, the Skills Focus and InnovateUs programmes are supporting businesses to upskill their workforce and engage in innovation, with AIrelated training and qualifications delivered through the Further Education colleges.

Beyond this, my Department works with universities, colleges and employers to develop skills pipelines through initiatives such as Higher Level Apprenticeships and PEACEPLUS Skills projects, including digital and cyber skills programmes.

We will continue to engage with education providers, industry and other stakeholders to ensure that the North’s skills system remains responsive to technological developments, including the increasing use of AI across sectors.