Sodexo has launched a new AI academy for employees across its UK and Ireland business as part of a wider strategy to strengthen workforce capability and accelerate digital transformation. For facilities management stakeholders, the initiative reflects increasing investment in workforce readiness as FM providers seek to improve operational efficiency, decision-making and service delivery through AI and data tools.

Facilitate Magazine reported that 60 employees from Sodexo UK & Ireland have enrolled in the 12-month programme, developed in partnership with Corndel. Participants have been selected from operational, specialist and leadership roles and will work towards level 3 digital support technician or data technician qualifications.

The academy is designed to improve data literacy and practical AI capability across the organisation, enabling employees to apply automation and digital tools to operational challenges. Apprenticeships will combine structured learning with workplace projects, technical skills development, one-to-one coaching and ongoing assessments intended to deliver measurable business outcomes.

Vimal Mistry, service director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “The Academy is key to driving our AI ambition, embedding capability that scales responsibly and delivers real operational impact. It reflects how we’re scaling AI capability and embedding the right skills, behaviours and ways of thinking so we can turn AI ambition into meaningful, sustainable impact.”

Corndel said the programme forms part of its wider AI and data academy model, aimed at helping organisations embed responsible AI use into everyday operations. Apprentices completing the programme will become internal AI champions, supporting colleagues in the adoption of automation and digital workflows.

For facilities management organisations, the initiative reflects a growing emphasis on building in-house digital capability to improve operational responsiveness, workforce productivity and service performance across increasingly technology-enabled environments.

Read more on Sodexo’s AI academy initiative.