Companies in an East Lancashire borough can now benefit from trailblazing new Artificial Intelligence training for free.

Firms and organisations in Blackburn with Darwen are set to be among the first in the country to benefit from the empowering AI coaching with the IN4 Group, one of the UK’s largest professional technology skills providers.

The 'Modern Worker for the Modern Workplace' programme was launched at a Youth Zone Supporters event hosted at Graham and Brown.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has secured government funding to support the roll-out of the scheme right across the borough.

It offers training to more than 60 businesses from the industrial, professional and public sectors for free.

The fully-funded programme aims to empower senior leaders and enhance human intelligence using generative AI.

It includes masterclasses from industry experts, showcases and practical workshops.

Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We are delivering our biggest-ever growth programme in the borough.

“We must ensure we have the right opportunities for our residents and businesses to allow them to succeed.

“Already, we’ve worked with IN4 Group to secure a pilot of their MEGA Hub scheme for our young people - rolling it out to every high school in the borough.

“This will ensure pupils are equipped with the very best cyber and technology skills.

“This new programme – the Modern Worker for the Modern Workplace – will ensure our businesses have cutting-edge skills too, skills that will allow them to embrace new AI technology and ensure they can succeed in a modern world.”

Already, 10 businesses have signed up, including Youth Zone patrons BBF and Staci, with the training being delivered at Blackburn College’s Industry Collaboration Zone.

IN4 Group's chief executive Mo Isap said: “I’m a proud Blackburn lad delivering training to businesses right around the world.

“I’m committed to Blackburn with Darwen and to Lancashire as a place, and I want to give our businesses here the skills they need to really succeed.

“This programme is about unlocking the potential of our people and empowering them through tech.

“We want to enhance human intelligence, secure the local workforce and ensure we can work towards sustainable business growth and higher-paid jobs.”

Andrew Graham, chief executive of Graham and Brown and trustee of Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone, added: “Here at Graham and Brown, we’re on our own digital journey and have built the world’s first mass digital wallpaper factory.

“We are seeing first-hand the real benefits that technology offers to a business, and the Youth Zone is proud to be supporting this new scheme,

“We want our young people to have opportunities at every level."