Corndel, Imperial Executive Education and Microsoft team up to skill 10,000 professionals in AI by end of 2025
Corndel, a workplace training provider specializing in AI, data, and digital transformation, has partnered with Imperial Executive Education and Microsoft to launch the Enterprise AI Academy.
The initiative will reportedly skill 10,000 professionals in artificial intelligence by the end of 2025.
James Kelly, CEO of Corndel, said: “At Corndel, we believe that AI is not just a tool—it is the future of work, and businesses that embrace its potential will drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. Our AI Academy is designed to equip businesses with the skills needed to integrate AI effectively, empowering leaders to make informed decisions and teams to apply AI-driven solutions that deliver real impact.”
The academy will deliver AI-focused programs tailored for employees across technical, leadership, and operational roles. It will be delivered through Corndel’s human-centered learning model, with Imperial Executive Education contributing academic content and Microsoft supporting through tools and resources.
Demand for AI skills continues to outpace structured training
The program launch comes amid a backdrop of limited workplace AI preparedness. Corndel’s internal research reports that 61% of employees have not received any AI-specific training. A separate study by Microsoft and LinkedIn highlights that 78% of AI users are bringing their own tools to work, potentially posing risks to data security and limiting the strategic deployment of AI at scale.
Without structured training, organizations risk inefficient AI adoption and missed opportunities for productivity and innovation.
AI Academy programs target enterprise transformation
The AI Academy will offer four distinct programs aligned with enterprise needs:
LEAD: Strategic AI Leadership
Designed for senior leaders, this course focuses on the business impact of AI and its role in driving transformation.BUILD: AI Engineer
A technical pathway focused on AI, machine learning, and data engineering. Delivered in collaboration with Imperial Executive Education.TRANSFORM: AI Changemaker
Targets professionals tasked with embedding AI into organizational workflows. Participants will learn how to manage change and implement AI solutions.ADOPT: AI Productivity Champion
Geared toward employees using tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot to boost efficiency and digital fluency.
Corndel has also committed to integrating AI fundamentals into all its programs in leadership, HR, tech, and data.
David Brown, Director of Executive Education at Imperial Executive Education, said: “AI is already transforming industries, and upskilling professionals to work effectively with these technologies is a global imperative. Through this groundbreaking collaboration with Corndel and Microsoft, we are creating a new standard for AI education that balances rigorous academic learning with practical business application and ethics.”
Simon Lambert, Chief Learning Officer at Microsoft UK, commented: “At Microsoft, we recognise that AI is reshaping industries and creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation. However, to fully harness its potential, organisations must invest in developing AI skills within their workforce. This initiative with Corndel and Imperial exemplifies our UK commitment to empowering professionals with the necessary expertise to thrive in the AI-driven economy and, drive economic growth and competitiveness.”
