Virgin Atlantic launches AI apprenticeship for all staff

Virgin Atlantic has become the first airline to launch an 'AI Champion' apprenticeship, developed in partnership with UK education technology firm Cambridge Spark. The apprenticeship aims to strengthen artificial intelligence fluency among non-technical staff.

The initial group of apprentices includes employees from Flight Operations, Engineering, Finance, Communications, and the People Team, representing a cross-section of the airline's business functions.

The AI Champion apprenticeship responds to what Cambridge Spark describes as lagging AI adoption among non-specialist staff within enterprises globally. The programme is intended to empower non-technical professionals to use AI technology in their daily work, focusing on applying productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot.

The introduction of the apprenticeship builds on Virgin Atlantic's prior uptake of Microsoft Copilot and is aligned with the company's broader digital transformation agenda. It also forms part of the airline's wider apprenticeship strategy, which includes initiatives across Data, Software Development, Sustainability and Engineering.

The apprenticeship is designed to support the creation of a network of 'AI Champions' within the company, enabling them to guide colleagues in using AI-based solutions to tackle business challenges and streamline routine processes.

Becky Woodmansee, Chief People Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said, "Virgin Atlantic has always been a people-first, purpose-led organisation, driven by the belief that everyone can take on the world, and we're proud to be the first airline to invest in AI Champions through this groundbreaking program. These apprentices will play a vital role in helping our teams explore and embrace the benefits of AI in their day-to-day work, unlocking new levels of productivity and creativity. It's part of our wider strategy to empower our people with the tools and skills they need to thrive in a digital world."

Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Founder and Group CEO of Cambridge Spark, commented, "We're thrilled to support Virgin Atlantic as the first airline to adopt the AI Champion apprenticeship. Their commitment to developing practical AI capability across the organisation sets a powerful example for the wider industry. Virgin Atlantic creates a strong foundation for digital transformation that delivers real business impact by equipping its people to lead the way in AI adoption."

"Virgin Atlantic's AI Champion apprenticeship demonstrates the airline's ongoing commitment to employee development and technological innovation. This strategic investment will help ensure the business remains agile and customer-focused in an ever-evolving landscape."

Virgin Atlantic was recognised for its wider digital skills and upskilling efforts as part of its strategy for future-focused employee development. Cambridge Spark, listed in the Sunday Times 100 in 2024 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK, supports businesses in delivering data and AI educational programmes and has worked with organisations such as the BBC, Lloyds Banking Group, and Aviva.

The airline plans to leverage the apprenticeship to embed digital transformation across departments further and maintain operational standards amid changing technology and customer expectations.