Derby-based training provider Nine Dots Development has recorded its strongest trading period in more than a decade, generating \u00a31.16m in revenue over eight weeks following the rollout of new funded AI and digital skills programmes.<\/p>\n
The business, which delivers funded learning alongside HR, management and leadership training to employers in the UK and internationally, launched four new digital programmes this spring as part of a strategic expansion into AI and data-led learning.<\/p>\n
Its new offer includes a Level 4 Artificial Intelligence and Automation Champion programme, alongside courses for data technicians, data analysts and digital support technicians.<\/p>\n
The company reported record learner enrolments following the launch, with funding linked to course uptake reaching almost \u00a3350,000 in a single month. Demand has also driven recruitment, with three new hires brought in to support delivery of the digital programmes.<\/p>\n
Lucy Goudie, who recently joined the business to lead three of the new digital programmes said: \u201cThe funded AI and Automation Champion programme is really about helping people spot the gaps in their organisation. It\u2019s great for anyone who wants to take on an AI champion role in their business.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t need to be overly technical to do this type of funded programme. You just need to have an interest in this area. It\u2019s very much process driven. It\u2019s about spotting those areas within a business where automation can make things easier.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the company, learners range from school leavers entering their first job to experienced business analysts, engineers and IT managers, reflecting how AI adoption is becoming relevant across functions rather than being confined to technical teams.<\/p>\n
James Davison, who leads the company\u2019s digital division said: \u201cWe\u2019ve been blown away by the take-up of our new digital programmes. We are putting on more groups than we anticipated. People are very keen to learn all about AI and how best to use it.<\/p>\n
\u201cGovernment research has shown that take-up of AI is significantly greater in large companies than in small to medium enterprises. Training up staff in these new digital skills is a great way for businesses to ensure they are able to take advantage of the tools, efficiencies and ideas sharpening that AI can offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nine Dots has developed its AI training around a human-centred approach, focusing on governance, ethical implementation and organisational readiness rather than simply teaching tools.<\/p>\n
That approach reflects growing concern among employers about unmanaged AI usage, particularly around data security, compliance and process control.<\/p>\n
Goudie said: \u201cPeople are quite excited about AI and its potential. We look at training and how we can train different members of staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sessions have been really positive. At the start of the course we focused on what people are doing with their role and starting to think about some of the processes they could automate and how that would work in different situations. One example is monthly report writing which can take up a lot of time but can easily be automated.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all about giving time back to employees in a business to do other things. There is so much in business that people don\u2019t realise can now be automated. What this programme does is give people the means to spend time looking at those areas of a business that might benefit from some automation and how to plan for change. It\u2019s a fascinating area that relates to so many industries.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A Derby training provider has posted \u00a31.16m in revenue after launching new funded AI and digital programmes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":266702,"featured_media":2112199,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53262],"coauthors":[127717],"class_list":["post-2112198","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","tag-derbyshire","tag-featured-story"],"yoast_head":"\n