Funding for AI Training in Wales
Yes. The Welsh Government’s Flexible Skills Programme runs an AI Skills Pilot that contributes 75% of eligible AI training costs, up from the programme’s standard 50%, to a maximum contribution of £50,000. Any employer based in Wales that is financially solvent and can release staff to complete the training may apply, and the programme supports the vast majority of industries. The training must be accredited or delivered to a recognised industry standard, and there is no requirement to use a particular training company — you may choose any certified provider. Funding is discretionary: it is awarded after an eligibility check and a full application including due diligence, and it is paid in arrears once you evidence both attendance and the provider’s invoice. Apply through a Business Wales Expression of Interest before you book the training. Decisions are typically made within ten working days.
Figures verified 21 September 2026 against Business Wales and gov.wales. AI Wales is a Community Interest Company. It does not administer this programme and cannot award or promise funding.
The two government pages give different end dates
On 21 September 2026 the Business Wales Flexible Skills Programme page said the enhanced 75% AI rate runs until the end of March 2027, and asked applicants to commit to releasing staff to complete training by that date. The gov.wales AI Skills Pilot page, last updated 7 April 2026, gave 25 February 2028. Both were live simultaneously. Plan against the earlier date, because March 2027 is the deadline stated on the page you actually apply through, and confirm with the Flexible Skills team before you commit to a booking. Most published guides to this scheme repeat one date without noting the other.
How the AI Skills Pilot works
| Contribution | 75% of eligible AI training costs, up from the programme’s standard 50% |
|---|---|
| Maximum | £50,000 |
| Who can apply | Employers based in Wales, financially solvent, able to release staff to complete the training |
| Sectors | The vast majority of industries across Wales |
| Training must be | Accredited, or delivered to a recognised industry standard |
| Choice of provider | Any certified training provider — no requirement to use a particular company |
| How it pays | In arrears, on evidence of attendance and of the provider’s invoice and payment |
| Apply via | Business Wales Expression of Interest, before you book the training |
| Decision time | Typically within 10 working days of the eligibility check |
| Discretionary? | Yes — awards follow a full application and appraisal, including due diligence |
How to apply, in order
- Decide what training you need and which certified provider you want. You are free to choose any of them; the programme does not steer you.
- Submit the Expression of Interest through Business Wales before booking anything.
- Pass the eligibility check, then submit the full application for appraisal and due diligence.
- Expect a decision typically within 10 working days.
- Book and run the training, keeping attendance records and the provider invoice.
- Claim in arrears, evidencing attendance, the provider’s costs and your payment.
Where AI Wales fits
AI Wales runs CPD-certified programmes including AI Pathfinder and AI Champions, which employers have used the Flexible Skills route to part-fund. You are equally free to spend this funding with any other certified provider, and for some requirements you should — the programme is deliberately provider-neutral and so is this page. For the wider picture of grants and investment beyond training, see AI funding in Wales.
Questions
Is there funding for AI training in Wales?
Yes. The Welsh Government’s Flexible Skills Programme runs an AI Skills Pilot that contributes 75% of eligible AI training costs, up from the programme’s standard 50%, to a maximum contribution of £50,000. Any employer based in Wales that is financially solvent and can release staff to complete the training may apply, and the programme supports the vast majority of industries. The training must be accredited or delivered to a recognised industry standard, and there is no requirement to use a particular training company — you may choose any certified provider. Funding is discretionary: it is awarded after an eligibility check and a full application including due diligence, and it is paid in arrears once you evidence both attendance and the provider’s invoice. Apply through a Business Wales Expression of Interest before you book the training. Decisions are typically made within ten working days.
When does the AI Skills Pilot close?
The two Welsh Government sources give different answers, and both were live on 21 September 2026. The Business Wales Flexible Skills Programme page says the enhanced 75% rate runs until the end of March 2027, and asks applicants to commit to releasing staff to complete training by that date. The gov.wales AI Skills Pilot page, last updated 7 April 2026, gives 25 February 2028. Treat the earlier date as the planning deadline and confirm directly with the Flexible Skills team before committing to a training booking, because the funding is discretionary and the earlier deadline is the one on the page you actually apply through.
How much of the cost do I have to pay myself?
At the enhanced AI rate you pay 25% of eligible training costs and the programme contributes 75%, capped at a £50,000 contribution. Outside the AI Skills Pilot the standard Flexible Skills Programme rate is 50%. Because payment is made in arrears, you pay the training provider first and claim afterwards on evidence of attendance and of the invoice, so you need the full cost available as working capital even though you will recover most of it.
Does AI Wales training qualify for the AI Skills Pilot?
The programme requires training to be accredited or delivered to a recognised industry standard, and lets the employer choose any certified provider. AI Wales runs CPD-certified programmes including AI Pathfinder and AI Champions. Eligibility and the award decision rest entirely with the Welsh Government, not with AI Wales — no training provider, including AI Wales, can confirm or promise your funding. Submit the Expression of Interest before booking.
Can I use the funding for training I have already booked?
No. The Business Wales process is an Expression of Interest submitted before the training is booked, followed by an eligibility check and a full application. Booking first risks the application being refused, and the funding is discretionary in any case. Start with the Expression of Interest.
Not sure which training you actually need?
AI Wales resells no AI platform, so a conversation about what to train people on carries no commission. Members get funding navigation support alongside it.