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, during May 2024, 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:
- Harnessing AI Ethically for Competitive Advantage (webinar) –search here for all current dates
- An Introduction to AI in PR & Communications – search here for all current dates
- How AI is already being used for media evaluation and sentiment analysis - search here for all current dates
- ChatGPT for PR and Communications – search here for all current dates
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Bespoke Training
Please note that ANY session can be tailored and brought in-house with Bespoke Training.
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 31 May 2024. Training must start no earlier than the approval of funding (likely June 2024 for successful applicants) and be completed and requests for grant payment must be submitted by February 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.
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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).
