UK employers can now get five AI qualifications for their staff through a single apprenticeship at no cost

A growing number of UK employers are discovering they can upskill their entire workforce in AI and automation without spending a penny, thanks to a Level 4 apprenticeship that bundles up to five industry qualifications into a single programme, all fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.

TESS Group, an Ofsted Good training provider working with employers including the Financial Times, EDF Energy, Transport for London, DPD, and NHS England, has built its AI & Automation Practitioner programme around a simple idea: AI skills shouldn't be limited to IT departments, and employers shouldn't have to pay extra for professional certifications.

The 15 to 18 month programme is designed for employees at every level, from front-line staff to senior leaders. There's no coding required. Learners work with tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Power Automate to build practical AI and automation skills they can apply to their day job from month one. 

It's equally suited to a team leader looking to make better use of AI across their department as it is to someone in an operational or support role. For organisations that run on Google Workspace rather than Microsoft, the programme can be tailored to Google's AI tools instead.

What makes it unusual is what's included. Where most training providers deliver only the apprenticeship standard, TESS Group embeds up to five additional qualifications at no extra cost: Microsoft AI Business Professional (AB-730), NCFE Level 3 certificates in Cyber Security and Data, NCFE AI Prompt Engineering, and BCS certification. Employers don't pay for any of it. 

The full programme is funded at £18,000 through the Apprenticeship Levy for levy-paying employers, with 95% government funding available for smaller businesses.

"Most employers have no idea they can get this many qualifications wrapped into one apprenticeship," Rod Doyle, Director and Founder of TESS Group told That's Business.

"They're already paying the levy. This is money they've already spent sitting in a pot that expires after 24 months if they don't use it. 

"We're helping them turn that into real capability across their teams, not just in IT, but in HR, finance, operations, marketing, every department. And it works just as well for leaders as it does for the people they manage."

The business case is straightforward. Learners typically reclaim over 10 hours a week by automating repetitive workflows, and because they're applying what they learn directly to their role throughout the programme, the return on investment starts immediately rather than after graduation.

All sessions are delivered live online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, with new cohorts starting every month. Employers can enrol a single learner or run a private cohort tailored to their sector and challenges. For organisations wanting dedicated AI leadership development, TESS Group also offers specialist pathways for people leaders, operations managers, and coaching professionals, each with CMI management qualifications built in.

TESS Group currently delivers to over 100 employers across England and has trained over 10,000 learners, with a 59% distinction rate against a national average of around 20%. The provider holds a 97% employer satisfaction rate and a 4.9 out of 5 rating from over 680 verified reviews on Google and Trustpilot.

Employers interested in using their Apprenticeship Levy for AI training can book a free 15-minute discovery call at www.thetessgroup.com or contact info@thetessgroup.com.

Brazilian Startup Merges 19th-Century Study Method with AI to Transform How Students Learn

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Card.AI turns any content into AI-generated flashcards in seconds, democratising a technique long used by medical students and top performers

While AI dominates headlines with promises to transform education, a Brazilian startup decided to look to the past before building the future.

Card.AI combines a nearly 200-year-old memorisation technique, flashcards, with generative AI to create a tool that could change how millions of students study.

Flashcards originated in the 19th century. In 1834, English educator Favell Lee Mortimer published "Reading Disentangled," considered the first documented use of memorisation cards in education. 

The technique has since been scientifically validated: in 1885, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus demonstrated through the "forgetting curve" that spaced repetition can dramatically increase long-term memory retention.

The problem? Creating quality flashcards has always been time-consuming. Students spent hours turning notes into cards — time that could have been spent actually studying.

"We eliminated that barrier," explains the Card.AI team to That's Business. "Students paste their lecture notes, articles, or PDFs into our platform, and within seconds our AI identifies key concepts and automatically generates flashcards. What used to take an hour now takes seconds."

"Card.AI completely changed how I study Biology. I no longer waste time printing or transcribing cards — I just create, save, and review them on my phone before class. Thanks to the platform, my GPA rose to 3.8 this semester." Beatriz, 21, Biology student, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

How It Works

The platform operates in three simple steps: users input their content (notes, articles, or PDFs), the AI processes and generates flashcards, and students review through a gamified system that automatically schedules future reviews based on individual performance.

The key differentiator is the application of spaced repetition, developed by Sebastian Leitner in 1972. The system identifies which content students got wrong and schedules more frequent reviews for those topics, while spacing out reviews for mastered material. It's the same logic used by apps like Anki — popular among medical students — but with the convenience of AI-powered automatic generation.

Card.AI offers a free version with basic features and a Premium plan for full access. The platform is available via web (mobile-responsive) and native iOS and Android apps, with automatic cross-device sync.

The Global EdTech Market

The global EdTech market is projected to reach $404 billion by 2025, according to HolonIQ. Brazil alone has over 47 million students in primary, secondary, and higher education, representing a massive underserved market. The demand for personalized, accessible study tools has never been higher — especially among students preparing for standardized tests and professional certifications.

Try it free: www.cardai.app

Available on: Web, App Store, and Google Play

Card.AI is a Brazilian EdTech startup using artificial intelligence to transform any content into intelligent flashcards. Founded in 2024, the company's mission is to democratize high-performance study techniques, making them accessible to students worldwide. The platform combines the science of spaced repetition, validated by nearly 140 years of cognitive psychology research, with state-of-the-art generative AI.

The National Extension College announces new Chair, expanded courses and enhanced digital experience

The National Extension College (NEC), a UK pioneer in distance learning for over 60 years, has unveiled a series of updates to strengthen its mission of widening access to education for all. 

The changes include:

a new Chair of Trustees, Vanessa Pittard, and a strengthened strategic leadership team

a new Structured GCSE Programme designed for home-educated students and students requiring more structured support to achieve a GCSE in one-year

enhancements to NEC’s online learning platform, learn@nec

a redesigned website (www.nec.ac.uk) with improved accessibility and navigation - ensuring every visitor enjoys a seamless experience

a refreshed logo and brand identity.

The NEC has announced Vanessa Pittard as its new Chair of Trustees. Vanessa is Deputy Chief Executive of MEI, a leading education charity working nationally with schools and colleges to provide students with the best possible maths learning experiences. 

She brings extensive leadership experience and a track record of working with strategic partners and stakeholders, including government and funders.

NEC Chief Executive Esther Chesterman told That's Business:  “We are really delighted to welcome Vanessa as our new Chair of Trustees. Her leadership will help guide NEC through our next stage of growth. 

"Our Board has also been strengthened with new members bringing fresh expertise to support innovation, and ensuring that we have the knowledge and skills to meet future challenges and opportunities.”

Vanessa Pittard said: “I’m proud to become Chair of Trustees at the National Extension College. NEC has always championed access to education and opportunity for all. These new initiatives will give more learners a chance to achieve their goals and to get the support that they need.”

New for 2025, NEC has launched eight Structured GCSEs, ideal for home-educated students and those looking for more structured support. The one-year courses come with full academic and pastoral support, expert-led live teaching, tailored feedback, and combine independent learning with the reassurance of regular check-ins, interactive learning tools, and a personalised support network. Subjects include English, Maths, Psychology and Computer Science.

Esther Chesterman went on to say: “At NEC, the future of learning is flexible and inclusive. We’ve expanded our course portfolio in response to students’ needs, to offer greater choice and enhanced pathways to further education or career-focused plans, and to affirm our commitment to ensuring that every student can achieve their goals.”

In addition to the new one-year GCSEs, NEC continues to offer a wider range of GCSEs and A levels, including one-year Structured Fast Track A levels in five subjects, Functional Skills, and vocational qualifications in management, counselling, bookkeeping and teaching.

NEC’s online learning platform learn@nec is where students study, engage with others, and succeed in their learning goals. The platform is being enhanced to create a fully inclusive digital classroom.

Helen Davies, NEC’s Online Learning Manager said: “From improved navigation to features that support students’ diverse learning needs, the changes to learn@nec will ensure that studying at NEC is even more engaging and accessible. Our goal is to create a digital platform that gives learners more choice and greater flexibility to learn.”

NEC’s refreshed logo and brand identity, considers its heritage whilst reflecting NEC’s innovation, ambition and continued commitment to offering inclusive education for all.

The new website (www.nec.ac.uk) has been developed by Ronins on behalf of NEC with prospective learners and stakeholders clearly in mind and is fully accessible for all visitors. With easy navigation, clear information about courses, finance, student support, and resources for parents, schools and partners all visitors are supported from the very first click.

Esther Chesterman added: “Our new website has been built for everyone, reflecting who we are today - innovative, student-focused, and committed to making education accessible to all. Our goal is to make every piece of information feel like a helpful conversation with a knowledgeable friend.”

Founder and CEO at Ronins, Anthony Basker said: “Great projects happen when everyone’s pulling in the same direction. NEC knew exactly what they wanted, a site that opens doors for learners, and that clarity made our job simple. The team was a joy to work with, and together we’ve built something that really reflects who they are.”

Helping Young People Take Their First Steps into the World of Catering

The catering industry is an important part of the wider hospitality sector, generating billions for the UK economy each year. 

For young people with ambition and a passion for food or event planning, catering can be an exciting career choice. 

But how can employers, parents, and mentors encourage and support them to take those first steps?

Show Them the Business Potential

Catering isn’t just about cooking – it’s about building a viable business. Encourage young people to learn about logistics, customer service, costing, and marketing alongside food skills. This will help them see catering as a long-term career option, not just a job.

Promote Education and Apprenticeships

Colleges, training providers, and apprenticeships give structure to a young person’s career journey. Work experience placements, part-time roles, or even shadowing opportunities all help them understand the real-world demands of catering.

Emphasise Transferable Skills

Catering teaches organisation, teamwork, and problem-solving – skills that are highly valued across industries. Framing the sector as a springboard to wider opportunities can help young people (and their parents) see its long-term worth.

Support Their Networking

Encourage them to connect with local businesses, catering firms, or event organisers. Industry contacts are invaluable, and many caterers get their start through personal introductions or seasonal opportunities.

Bottom line: By encouraging education, networking, and an entrepreneurial mindset, we can inspire the next generation to build strong careers in catering – strengthening not only their futures but the hospitality industry as a whole.

Older employees need to continuously develop their skills to stay motivated. Report

Continuous learning and development in the workplace are key for people’s motivation, reveals new research by the University of Cologne.

The study, undertaken by Professor Anne Burmeister, investigated the positive and negative effects of workers over 45 seeking knowledge from their younger co-workers.

The findings show that older people seeking knowledge from the younger co-workers leads to higher work motivation and higher workability because they are able to learn something new.

“Old dogs can learn new tricks, in fact, older workers are more motivated at work when they can learn something new from their younger co-workers,” says Professor Burmeister.

However, the research also reveals that seeking knowledge from younger co-workers can be uncomfortable for older employees, and can leave them feeling embarrassed. This is because societal norms view the older workers as the knowledge providers, not the learners.

This effect was significantly reduced if older workers had higher levels of positive intergenerational affect.

“Creating opportunities for high-quality contact between employees of different age groups, allowing them to get to know each other and discover similarities can facilitate the development of higher levels of intergenerational affect,” says Professor Burmeister.

The study was published in the Journal of Organisational Behaviour.

Adapting to Industry Disruptions and Trends: Thriving in a Shifting Landscape

In today's ever-evolving business landscape, adapting to industry disruptions and trends has become a necessity for long-term success. Industries are constantly being reshaped by technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing consumer preferences. 

To remain competitive and resilient, businesses must not only embrace change but also proactively adapt to these disruptions and trends. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of adaptation and provide insights into how businesses can effectively navigate this dynamic terrain.

The Nature of Industry Disruptions and Trends

Industry disruptions and trends are often driven by a multitude of factors, including technological innovation, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer behaviour. Here are a few key categories in which disruptions and trends can manifest:

Technological Advancements: The rapid pace of technological development is perhaps the most significant driver of industry disruption. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, automation, and blockchain have the potential to revolutionise traditional business models and practices. Who, for example, could have foreseen the marketing revolution brought about by influencers, for example?

Economic Shifts: Economic recessions, globalisation, and changes in market dynamics can dramatically affect industries. Businesses must be prepared to adapt to economic fluctuations and changing market conditions.

Consumer Preferences: As consumer preferences evolve, industries must respond by offering products and services that align with these new demands. Sustainability, ethical practices, and personalized experiences are just a few examples of shifting consumer priorities.

Regulatory Changes: Government policies and regulations can also disrupt industries. For instance, changes in environmental regulations can impact the energy sector, while new data privacy laws can affect the technology and marketing industries.

The Importance of Adaptation

Adaptation is not merely a survival strategy; it is essential for thriving in a dynamic business environment. Here's why it's absolutely crucial:

Staying Competitive: Businesses that fail to adapt to industry disruptions and trends risk falling behind their more agile competitors. Adapting allows you to maintain or gain a competitive edge.

Seizing Opportunities: Industry disruptions and trends often present new opportunities. By embracing change, you position your business to capitalise on these openings and potentially lead in emerging markets.

Enhancing Resilience: Adaptation makes your business more resilient to external shocks. When you are prepared for change, you are better equipped to weather economic downturns, unforeseen challenges, and global crises.

Strategies for Adapting to Industry Disruptions and Trends

Now that we understand the significance of adaptation, let's explore some strategies for effectively navigating industry disruptions and trends:

Continuous Learning: Encourage a culture of continuous learning within your organisation. Stay informed about emerging technologies, market shifts, and changing consumer behaviour. Invest in training and development to keep your workforce updated and adaptable.

Embrace Innovation: Be open to innovation and experimentation. Invest in research and development to create innovative products or services that cater to changing market needs. Partner with start-ups and leverage their disruptive potential.

Agile Business Models: Adopt agile business models that allow for quick pivots when necessary. Agile methodologies, like Scrum and Kanban, can help your organisation adapt to changing circumstances and remain responsive to customer demands.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Utilise data analytics to make informed decisions. Collect and analyse data on consumer behaviour, market trends, and performance metrics to identify opportunities and areas for improvement.

Collaborate and Network: Engage with industry peers, experts, and organisations that can provide valuable insights and collaboration opportunities. Networking can help you stay attuned to industry trends and potential disruptions.

Scenario Planning: Develop contingency plans for different scenarios, including disruptive events. Being prepared for a range of possibilities can minimise the impact of unforeseen challenges.

Adapting to industry disruptions and trends is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that is critical for business sustainability and growth. By understanding the nature of these disruptions, recognising their importance, and implementing effective strategies, businesses can thrive in a constantly changing landscape. 

Embrace adaptation as a means to not only survive but to excel in the face of uncertainty. Stay flexible, open to change, and always ready to innovate, and your business will be well-prepared to navigate the evolving industry terrain successfully.

(Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)