Skip to content
SMEs in the PR industry are able to apply for Government funding for AI training – and PRCA’s AI training is eligible

Press release -

SMEs in the PR industry are able to apply for Government funding for AI training – and PRCA’s AI training is eligible

The Government has launched a pilot programme providing part-funding in AI skills, and PRCA’s training is eligible for support. Under the Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot, SMEs in the Professional and Business Services sector (which includes PR) can apply for a share of grant funding for up to 50% of the cost of training employees in AI skills.

PRCA’s training in AI has seen considerable growth as the industry gets to grips with new technology. Current courses include:

New dates will be added to meet demand.

Businesses can apply for funding through a competitive application exercise, which includes signing up to take part in a subsequent evaluation of the pilot. Details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flexible-ai-upskilling-fund/flexible-ai-upskilling-fund-pilot-application-guidance and applications must be in by 18 August 2024. Training must start no earlier than the approval of funding (likely September 2024 for successful applicants) and be completed and requests for grant payment must be submitted by March 2025.

PRCA members already qualify for a discount on training courses above, so members successful in their bid to the Fund would receive 50% part-funding based on this discounted price.

The Government’s purpose is to incentivise greater investment in skills, increase AI adoption and use AI to achieve productivity benefits. PRCA Chief Executive James Hewes welcomed the initiative. He said: ‘AI is here to stay, but our industry, like all creative industries, has a great deal to do to ensure that we harness its undoubted possibilities while mitigating against serious risks. We welcome the support of the Government in training up our sector for the new challenges awaiting us.’

For queries about bespoke training please contact Souha.khairallah@prca.org.

Topics


The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is the world’s largest professional PR body.

Representing 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries worldwide, we are a global advocate for excellence in public relations. Our teams across Europe, the Middle-East and Asia-Pacific work with professionals around the world to co-ordinate our operations across six continents.

Our mission is to create a more professional, ethical, and prosperous PR industry. We champion - and enforce - professional standards around the world through our Professional Charter and Code of Conduct. The Code compels members to adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice.

We deliver exceptional training, authoritative industry data, and global networking, and development opportunities.

We also manage the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) - the umbrella body for 41 PR associations and 3,000 agencies across the world. Additionally, we support the delivery of the Motor Industry Communicators Association (MICA).

Contacts

Gabriela Weiss Clarke

Gabriela Weiss Clarke

Press contact Communications Manager +44 (0) 207 233 6026
Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu

Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu

Press contact Content Marketing Strategist +44 20 4548 9436

Welcome to PRCA!

The PRCA is the world’s largest professional PR association, representing more than 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries worldwide. Our mission is to create a more professional, ethical, and prosperous global PR industry.

PRCA

7-8 Stratford Place
W1C 1AY London
United Kingdom