Debenhams Group invests GBP £1.35m in AI Skills Academy for staff
Debenhams Group has launched an AI Skills Academy to provide employees with practical skills for using artificial intelligence in their work.
Programme details
The AI Skills Academy, developed in collaboration with workforce development platform Multiverse, will be available to all staff across Debenhams Group. The initiative is fully funded through the Group's GBP £1.35 million Apprenticeship Levy, a government-supported fund for work-based training.
The Academy forms part of Debenhams Group's broader digital transformation programme, which has involved recent partnerships with Amazon Web Services and Peak AI. The focus of the new programme is to fast-track AI capability throughout the business and embed a culture of continuous improvement supported by technology.
Skills and learning
Employees participating in the Academy will receive structured, on-the-job learning, equipping them with the technical skills and behaviours needed to use artificial intelligence in daily operations. The curriculum includes teaching staff how to employ AI tools to enhance productivity, automate manual processes, and construct in-house AI systems to support the company's digital transformation.
The intention is to support the Group's growth by enabling teams to implement AI-driven solutions that streamline business operations, reduce manual workloads, and allow staff to focus on higher-value, strategic work. The programme also aims to help reduce reliance on external technology providers by enabling the development of AI capabilities internally.
Implementation and communication
A company-wide communication campaign will support the launch of the Academy. This will include in-person sessions led by Multiverse, designed to help employees understand the opportunities presented by the new skills initiative. The emphasis is on widespread adoption, with all employees eligible to participate.
The Academy represents a significant investment in employee development as Debenhams Group shifts towards increasing use of artificial intelligence across its portfolio, which includes the brands Debenhams, PrettyLittleThing, boohoo, boohooMAN and Karen Millen.
Leadership perspective
Dan Finley, CEO of Debenhams Group, said: "Adopting AI is not just about investing in our systems – it's about investing in our people. With the launch of the AI Skills Academy, we're giving our teams the tools to think differently, work smarter and build for the future. This is about unlocking the potential of every colleague to drive real innovation across the Group."
Strategic focus
The launch of the AI Skills Academy supports key elements of Debenhams Group's digital transformation roadmap, which prioritises the development of new skills and the fostering of an environment focused on learning and technological adaptation.
By funding the programme through the Apprenticeship Levy, Debenhams Group leverages government-supported resources to provide accessible upskilling for its current workforce. This approach is designed to boost overall AI literacy within the business while ensuring teams are prepared for ongoing changes in the retail sector.
The Group's strategy to expand AI use comes amid broader industry trends toward automation and digital transformation. The Academy is intended to contribute to the responsible and effective integration of artificial intelligence into business operations.
The AI Skills Academy is available to all Debenhams Group employees. It marks the latest phase in the company's focus on equipping staff for the evolving demands of the retail industry.
