Chichester College Group Launches First AI Apprenticeship and Unit for Sussex Businesses

Chichester College Group (CCG) has launched its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Apprenticeship, alongside a new short-form AI Apprenticeship Unit, designed by employers for employers.

This exciting launch, by the largest further education provider in Sussex, responds to growing demand from businesses across the region as AI adoption accelerates in sectors including advanced manufacturing, finance, marketing, healthcare and tourism.

Employers have told CCG they need practical, work-based training that keeps pace with rapidly evolving AI technologies and their impact on day-to-day roles.

The new AI and Automation Apprenticeship provides a comprehensive training pathway for staff moving into AI and automation-related roles, combining workplace learning with structured teaching delivered online through live classrooms. Alongside this, the new AI Apprenticeship Unit offers a flexible, modular programme of half a day per week over 10 weeks, funded through the government’s Growth and Skills Levy.

CCG is amongst a select group of training providers approved by the Department for Education to deliver apprenticeship units from day one. The approval reflects its position as Sussex’s largest FE provider, its Ofsted Outstanding rating for apprenticeship provision and its recognition as Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 Portsmouth & Chichester Apprenticeship Awards.

Helen Loftus, Principal and Strategic Lead for Apprenticeships at Chichester College Group, said:

“AI is no longer a future consideration for Sussex businesses. It’s already reshaping the way work gets done. We know employers do not always have the time or capacity for a multi-year training commitment, which is why we’ve designed this AI Apprenticeship Unit to deliver practical, immediately applicable skills in just a few weeks, fully funded and with minimal disruption to productivity.

Alongside our full AI & Automation Apprenticeship, businesses can choose either a targeted skills boost or a longer-term pathway to build AI capability across their teams. Having supported employers across the region for many years, we’re proud to be among the first providers nationally approved to deliver this type of training and want as many West Sussex businesses as possible to benefit from it.”

Why this matters for Sussex employers

Sussex has a diverse economy, with AI skills needs varying significantly between sectors and organisations. Requirements range from data-driven decision-making in manufacturing to AI-assisted design, customer service automation and advanced data analysis in professional services.

By offering both a full apprenticeship and a shorter modular unit, CCG gives businesses of all sizes, from sole traders and SMEs to larger employers, a flexible way to develop AI capability without a significant time or cost commitment. The programmes also provide a clear progression route to more advanced qualifications.

Getting involved

West Sussex employers interested in the new AI Apprenticeship or AI Apprenticeship Unit can find full details, funding information and registration guidance at:

https://www.chigroup.ac.uk/courses/?_course_subject_area=artificial-intelligence