Evaluation of the Industrial Masters in AI (IMAI) Programme

This document summarizes the evaluation of two distinct programmes aimed at enhancing AI skills and recruitment opportunities in the UK. The first, the Industry-funded Masters in AI (IMAI) programme, delivered by the Institute of Coding, sought to provide AI master's places, work placements, and strengthen industry-higher education links. Despite not meeting its funding target and facing challenges like COVID-19, industry engagement, and data tracking, the programme was seen as a good investment with positive industry feedback. Recommendations include increasing awareness and mentorship, and exploring alternative funding. The second programme focuses on improving recruitment for industry partners, offering marketing benefits and promoting regional diversity by collaborating with northern English universities. It suggests a model with cohort learning, mentoring, flexible placements, and a reduction in administrative burdens for industry partners. It also recommends incorporating data science and AI conversion courses for efficiency. Success hinges on aligning delivery targets with objectives and thorough data collection for evaluation. Both programmes show potential for expanding AI skills development in the UK, with suggestions for enhancing effectiveness and sustainability. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Closed organisation: Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Other
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: December 2022

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes