The Crown Estate launches AI employee training programme

The AI for Business Value programme apprenticeship aims to equip team members from business functions across the organisation with advanced, industry-relevant AI and machine learning capabilities. Delivered by the tech-first company Multiverse over a 13-month period, the AI for Business Value programme trains apprentices to identify business value gains that can be achieved through using AI and executing ethical AI projects.

The training is part of The Crown Estate’s ambition to better utilise AI to drive value for the nation. A significant national landowner, The Crown Estate delivers financial value to the Treasury and creates wider environmental, social and economic value for England, Wales and Northern Ireland through its diverse £16bn portfolio that includes urban centres and development opportunities; one of the largest rural holdings in the country; and Windsor Great Park. It also manages the seabed and much of the coastline around the same parts of the UK, playing a major role in the country’s world leading offshore wind sector.   

Participants on the AI for Business Value programme will be embedded across the organisation, delivering AI innovation and utilising real-time data in areas ranging from administration and property management through to urban design and marine planning.

The programme will enable teams to identify new opportunities to improve operational and design efficiencies, reduce emissions and carry out optimum planning, among other strategic outcomes, supporting The Crown Estate’s objectives on net-zero, economic growth and productivity and stewarding the UK’s natural environment and biodiversity.

With businesses predicting that almost half (44%) of workers’ core skills will be disrupted by 2027, with AI widely reported to be a key disrupter, the training will also enhance the careers of apprentices who are enrolled, empowering them with the most in-demand skills in the economy today, and allowing them to act as champions for AI within the organisation.

Aruj Haider, Head of Digital Emerging Technology & Innovation, The Crown Estate, said: “AI represents an enormous opportunity for us, that will increase our ability to effectively serve the country and give a huge boost to our efficiency and capability to achieve net zero and grow our productivity. This training will unlock our team’s ability to define the role AI will play in our organisational journey. Just as importantly, it gives our people access to some of the most in-demand skills in the workplace today.

“At The Crown Estate, our AI strategy is geared towards developing the skills, mindsets and behaviours to use AI effectively within our organisation. This apprenticeship is a key marker on that journey, and I really look forward to seeing some of the plans and impacts participants make on this programme over the next 13 months.”

Multiverse is a new tech-first institution that combines work and learning to unlock economic opportunity for everyone. It works with more than 1,500 organisations to close critical skill gaps in the workforce in AI, data and tech, through a new kind of apprenticeship.

Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer, Multiverse said: "The Crown Estate has recognised the potential of AI to upscale innovation and increase efficiencies across its portfolio. The skills development provided is empowering the Crown Estate team members to use emerging technology to achieve their aims; while also enriching their career opportunities.”