New AI apprenticeship for insurance industry launched

A new artificial intelligence (AI) academy programme to help firms move beyond ad hoc use of AI and build structured capability across their workforce has been launched by Wiser Academy.

The apprenticeship programme is designed to create AI champions within insurers and brokers, helping colleagues adopt AI across claims, underwriting, broking, HR, finance, compliance, marketing and training.

It has been made in response to demand from insurance leaders for a more organised and commercially relevant approach to AI.

Crescens George, chief executive at Wiser Academy, said: “AI is fundamentally changing how work gets done, but many organisations are still only scratching the surface. The real opportunity is in building the capability to apply it meaningfully and strategically across the business.

“Our aim is to help firms create AI champions within departments, people who understand the technology, the risks, the ethics and the practical opportunities and who can guide colleagues in applying AI well.”

Study routes

The academy will offer two study routes, Flexi Track and Fast Track, covering nine units including AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, ethical practice, digital and data risk, governance, automation concepts, process improvement and managing human impact.

Flexi Track courses will take place over 15 months, with two-hour live virtual sessions each week, while Fast Track will take place over nine months, with three two-hour sessions taking place each month and once monthly seven-hour face-to-face session.

The programme will launch with a full apprenticeship pathway, with the first learner cohort expected to start in June. A shorter leaders-focused option is planned for a later phase.

Crescens said: “We are giving learners the option to choose how they want to be assessed. 

“AI should not sit on the sidelines as a curiosity or remain locked within specialist teams.

“This programme gives the market a structured way to build that capability from within, so firms are not just experimenting with AI, but developing the skills and mindsets to use it in ways that genuinely improve performance and customer outcomes.”