The government’s recent announcement of free AI training for all UK adults marks an important moment for the country’s digital skills agenda. With the launch of TechLocal, part of the national TechFirst initiative, the UK is committing to equipping people, employers, and local communities with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled economy.

Introducing NOCN Group’s New AI Qualifications

In support of this growing national focus on AI capability, NOCN Group is proud to announce the launch of two new qualifications:

• NOCN Level 2 Award in AI Awareness
• NOCN Level 2 Certificate in AI Awareness

These qualifications were developed in collaboration with the Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA).

These qualifications have been designed to equip learners with essential knowledge and skills to understand and engage with artificial intelligence tools - recognising their practical uses, opportunities, risks, and implications for workplace roles and digital development.

They offer accessible, structured routes for individuals wanting to build foundational AI understanding and gain confidence in using AI safely and effectively in everyday and professional contexts.

The Level 2 Award can be delivered either face to face or as an eLearning option available on the Skills Online platform. This will also be CPD Certified and will be available soon.

Strengthening the UK’s AI Skills Base

At NOCN Group, we strongly welcome the government’s focus on AI, digital capability and workforce readiness. These themes are central to our purpose as a not-for-profit educational organisation dedicated to creating opportunities, building skills and driving inclusive economic growth.

The TechLocal programme sets an ambitious goal of upskilling 10 million workers by 2030, with free, benchmarked courses now available to every UK adult. This national effort reflects values NOCN Group has championed for many years, including:

• skills for work and life,
• accessible, high-quality learning routes,
• clear, trusted standards,
• a workforce empowered to adapt to rapid change.

We welcome the government’s recognition that AI literacy is now essential across sectors—not only in high-tech roles. This aligns strongly with our vision of giving all learners, regardless of background or starting point, the opportunity to gain the skills they need for success.

Purpose of the NOCN AI Awareness Qualifications

Both the Level 2 Award and Level 2 Certificate aim to help learners:

• understand core AI concepts,
• explore real-world applications of AI,
• recognise opportunities, risks, ethical and legal considerations,
• gain confidence using common AI tools,
• develop a personal plan for continued digital and AI development.

These qualifications offer vocationally based learning, enabling learners to demonstrate practical competence alongside theoretical understanding. They are fully accessible Level 2 programmes with no formal entry requirements.

Our Commitment

As the national focus on AI and digital capability continues to accelerate, NOCN Group remains committed to ensuring that learners from all backgrounds have access to the skills they need to succeed.

Our new AI Awareness qualifications demonstrate this commitment in practice—providing clear, high-quality pathways that build confidence, support employability, and empower people to thrive in an evolving world of work.

We look forward to working with partners across education, industry and local communities to help make AI skills accessible, meaningful and beneficial for all.