It is one year since the AI Accelerator programme launched in March 2025, transforming how government professionals build confidence, technical skills and practical capabilities in applying AI. The Accelerator programmes support departments to grow their own data and AI talent by upskilling existing staff into priority technical roles through targeted, cohort-based pathways.
One year on: growing impact of the the AI Accelerator programme
In the year since the programme began, 49 people have graduated, with more participants joining new pathways.
Each cohort shows the potential of combining practical learning with strategic support, connecting colleagues with similar interests and skills, and inspiring departments to invest in their people and develop future-ready Machine Learning Engineer skills.
The most recent cohort’s graduation not only celebrated achievement, but demonstrated what departments can accomplish when they invest in skills, collaboration, and innovation. One participant mentioned that this was “one of the most rewarding learning experiences since I’ve joined the Civil Service”.
Celebrating our second AI Accelerator cohort
In January, the AI Accelerator programme celebrated 25 participants from 17 public sector organisations who completed the second cross-government cohort of the programme.
The cohort presented their final projects in groups across four themes: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Chatbots, large language models (LLMs), and Machine Learning demonstrating the leadership capability needed to responsibly design, implement and scale AI solutions across government.
Their work impressed attendees – including their line managers – and culminated in a highlight moment when Emran Mian, Permanent Secretary, and Kalbir Sohi, Chief AI Officer at GDS, joined the event to see the work firsthand and emphasise its significance. Their presence highlighted the importance of the programme in building AI capability across government. added a sense of gravitas and excitement, and underlined the programme’s importance in shaping AI capability across government.
Our leaderships perspective on AI in Government
Emran Mian and Kalbir Sohi spoke about the importance of a bold, hands‑on approach to AI adoption across government. The discussion focused on the value of practical engagement with the technology, challenging established ways of working, and creating the right conditions for people to learn by doing. Together, this highlighted what’s possible when leadership, line managers and learners work together to harness AI – turning potential into real‑world results faster, smarter and at scale.
What’s next for the AI Accelerator
Since its inception, the AI Accelerator programme has attracted significant interest. Some departments required more than a few places on cross-government cohorts, and wanted to trial a cohort dedicated to their learners.
This highlighted the potential of departmental self-funded programmes. The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) took the lead as the first departmental self-funded cohort, including a pilot for the Data Analyst to Data Scientist pathway. Their participation shows how departments can take ownership of AI upskilling while tailoring learning to organisational priorities.
Due to the high demand and competitive nature of the AI Accelerator programme, we now also offer self-funded departmental cohorts. These cohorts provide the same pathways as the cross-government programme, including:
- Data Analyst to Data Scientist,
- Data Scientist to AI Accelerator and,
- AI Accelerator for Engineers
Opening further opportunities to grow AI and Machine Learning capability across the government and giving departments flexible options to develop AI skills within their teams.
Through the collaboration of leadership, departments, line managers, and the determination of its learners, the AI Accelerator continues to strengthen government-wide digital capability and lay the foundation for future participants.
If you would like to find out more about the Accelerator programme please contact [email protected].
