Wiser Academy, the leading provider of insurance training and development, is launching an industry-first AI Academy programme to help firms move beyond ad hoc use of AI and build structured capability across their workforce.
Following the government’s rollout of the new Level 4 Artificial Intelligence and Automation Practitioner apprenticeship standard, Wiser Academy’s programme has been developed in response to demand from insurance leaders for a more organised and commercially relevant approach to artificial intelligence.
While many firms are experimenting with tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot, most are still using AI only at surface level for tasks such as drafting emails, summarising documents and improving wording, rather than embedding it across their businesses.
The apprenticeship programme is designed to create AI champions within insurers and brokers, helping colleagues adopt AI safely and effectively across claims, underwriting, broking, HR, finance, compliance, marketing and training, rather than leaving AI solely with central IT teams.
Crescens George, CEO of Wiser Academy, said: “Artificial intelligence 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.”
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.
The programme has been shaped by employer consultation, including feedback from insurance and technology businesses, and will continue to evolve through an advisory group of industry and technology specialists to keep the curriculum current as technology evolves.
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.
For eligible learners, the cost of training and certification is funded through the apprenticeship scheme, making it highly cost-effective for firms. Organisations and individuals can also fund the programme directly for those not eligible for the apprenticeship route.
There will be no conventional exams. Instead, learners will be assessed through discussion, portfolio work and a final project focused on improving something meaningful within their role or team.
Crescens added: “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.”