Keele University launches AI and Data programmes with Multiverse to deliver professional development

Keele University has teamed up with tech company Multiverse to enhance its professional services through a series of AI and data programmes. 

The partnership will see over 50 university staff members undergo specialised training, part of a wider strategy aimed at improving student recruitment, student experience, and overall service delivery through AI and data-driven solutions.

The collaboration comes as Keele seeks to strengthen its internal processes by equipping staff with the skills needed to excel in an increasingly digital-first world. 

The programme is designed to upskill employees working across various roles within the university, ensuring they are well-prepared to identify opportunities for automation, cost savings, and increased efficiency.

Tailored training to meet university needs

The partnership will provide training through Multiverse’s apprenticeship-based programmes, which focus on developing applied skills in AI, data, and business transformation. The university’s 50 participating staff members have undergone assessments to determine the most suitable programmes based on their roles, seniority, and current skill levels.

The core offering includes Multiverse’s 13-month "AI for Business Value" level-4 apprenticeship, which teaches learners how to responsibly identify and implement AI-driven business solutions. 

The Data Fellowship (standard and advanced) will train employees in data analysis and science, while the Business Transformation Fellowship is designed to help Keele staff adopt an agile mindset, facilitating strategic initiatives in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The apprenticeship levy funds the training, allowing Keele to deliver these programmes at no additional cost to the university. Multiverse, a company known for its applied learning approach, has successfully trained over 16,000 apprentices in data and digital skills since 2016.

The programme forms part of Keele’s broader ambition to build a culture of AI and data literacy within the university. By adopting AI technologies and embedding data-driven decision-making into its daily operations, Keele hopes to streamline administrative processes and identify areas for improvement. This includes opportunities to automate manual tasks and reduce inefficiencies, helping the university save both time and resources.

Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse, stated:

"Our recent report shows that education is the hardest hit sector when it comes to the data skills gap. Keele University’s investment in AI and data training will close this gap, empowering staff with key skills to deliver the best outcomes for Keele and its students.” 

According to Multiverse’s Skills Intelligence Report, the education sector is among the most affected by the data skills gap, with 38% of employees’ time spent working with data being unproductive—significantly higher than the average of 30% across other industries. Keele’s investment in upskilling its professional services team aims to close this gap, ensuring the university’s operations align with the demands of the modern, data-driven workplace.

Tom Wilcock, Director of Transformation for Professional Services at Keele University, said: 

“Keele University is always looking to invest in enriching initiatives that improve our students’ experience. The new partnership with Multiverse will allow us to do just that by upskilling over 50 of our exceptional professional services personnel.”