Independent broadband provider Quickline Communications has partnered with Enterprising Barnsley to deliver a new AI training programme for founder-led early-stage businesses and SMEs across South Yorkshire.
The partnership is part of Quickline’s wider commitment to Project Gigabit in South Yorkshire, which, through government funding, is bringing fast, reliable broadband to communities nationwide. It is helping people get online while giving local communities the skills and opportunities they need to find work, grow businesses and stay in touch.
Enterprising Barnsley is the business support service delivered by Barnsley Council, aiding businesses through tailored advice, programmes, partner access and growth opportunities, helping businesses start, grow, innovate and invest.
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Through funding provided by Quickline, the programme will provide targeted, cohort-based training across Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham, supporting local organisations to build practical skills, confidence and knowledge in adopting artificial intelligence.
The first cohort begins this week in Doncaster, with further cohorts planned for each local authority area in South Yorkshire. The 10-week programme will combine in-person workshops with online sessions, following a structured schedule designed to help participants get the most from the training.
The courses will focus on AI and the tools currently available to businesses, alongside practical training on how they can be used in the day-to-day running of a business. Through hands-on learning, participants will be supported to identify and implement AI solutions that can help overcome barriers, improve productivity and drive growth and innovation within their operations.
Ben Hawley, group leader for Enterprising Barnsley, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Quickline to be bringing this programme to business not just in Barnsley, but across South Yorkshire.
“We know that the understanding AI and knowing how to use it is going to be critical for businesses of any size. This support programme offers real, practical training and deployment, meaning that the participants aren’t just learning theory, but also gaining skills on how to identify where AI solutions can help their business, and then deploying the tools to make a lasting impact.”
Quickline’s social value lead for South Yorkshire, Elisabeth Kamaris, added: “Quickline is proud to be delivering fast, reliable broadband connectivity to homes and businesses across South Yorkshire through Project Gigabit, but our commitment to the region goes beyond infrastructure.
“We want to help local business communities thrive and grow, and partnerships like this one with Enterprising Barnsley are a vital part of that. By supporting founder-led businesses and SMEs to understand and adopt AI in practical, meaningful ways, we can help them build confidence, unlock new opportunities and strengthen the local economy.”
The new AI programme will support businesses across South Yorkshire to explore how emerging technology can be applied safely and effectively, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to adapt, compete and grow.
