Debenhams Group is the company behind brands such as boohoo, boohooMAN and more. Credit: Serhii Yevdokymov/Shutterstock.com.

This initiative from Debenhams, developed in partnership with workforce development platform Multiverse, aims to bridge the AI skills gap within its workforce

The AI Skills Academy is fully funded through Debenhams Group’s £1.35m ($1.79m) Apprenticeship Levy, a UK government-backed fund designed to support work-based learning initiatives.

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The programme is structured to offer on-the-job learning that contributes directly to the company’s operations, said Debenhams.

Employees participating in the academy will learn to use AI tools to enhance productivity and engage in more strategic work.

Debenhams staff will also be trained to apply AI solutions for streamlining operations and reducing manual tasks. They will also learn building in-house AI systems to expedite the digital transition and decrease dependence on external providers.

The new initiative aligns with Debenhams Group’s digital transformation roadmap, which emphasises “innovation and continuous learning”.

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The programme will be introduced to staff through a comprehensive internal communication campaign, featuring in-person sessions led by Multiverse professionals, said the company.

Debenhams Group CEO Dan Finley 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.”

The group offers fashion, home, and beauty products through its various retail brands, including Debenhams, Karen Millen, boohoo, boohooMAN, and PrettyLittleThing.

Last month, the company entered into a multi-year partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to leverage AI-driven tools for optimising operations and facilitating the scaling of new brands.

A recent research from Pusan National University highlighted the potential for generative AI models like ChatGPT and DALL-E 3 to revolutionise fashion design processes and trend identification within the industry.

In June, Debenhams Group engaged Peak to overhaul its pricing and promotions approach, implementing an AI-powered system for setting prices on a vast array of products spanning numerous brands.

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