Virgin Media O2 rolls out AI training as part of enhanced learning and development programme to equip employees with critical skills

• Virgin Media O2 launches enhanced learning and development programme to boost the skills of its employees.
• Employees can now access thousands of training courses on a range of topics including Generative AI, Leadership and Management, Digital and Data, and more.
• It comes as new research reveals British workers’ lack of confidence in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) at work with almost 8 in 10 saying they haven’t received training on how to use the software.

Virgin Media O2 is helping boost the skills and expertise of its employees with a new comprehensive learning and development programme.

The company has developed a new learning suite to support its 16,000 strong workforce to build critical skills so they can grow and progress in their careers.

The programme is based on insights from the World Economic Forum and consultancy firm, McKinsey,  which highlights that as technology moves at a rapid pace, workers need to learn and refine key skills, including analytical thinking, leadership and communication, and digital literacy, to ensure they can adapt to the future of work.

Employees can access a series of instructor and self-led courses on core skills such as Generative AI, mental flexibility and resilience, business and commercial acumen, critical thinking, stakeholder management and more.

In addition, the company is also providing employees access to a new online learning platform, SkillSoft, which offers thousands of courses to help employees gain knowledge and expertise on a range of topics from coding to programming and product management and more. The service offers employees a mix of training methods – from audio books to AI coaching and videos, to ensure they can learn at their own pace and in a way that best suits their needs.

It forms part of Virgin Media O2’s ‘People Plan’ and its commitment to creating an environment where all its employees can thrive and achieve their potential.

Brits falling behind with lack of AI skills

It comes as new research from Virgin Media O2 reveals British workers lack the confidence and skills to use AI, with 69% saying they don’t know how to use AI at work. Almost eight in 10 (79%) say they haven’t received training on how to use AI software from their employer, with a further 75% unsure of which prompts to use to make AI effective.

In addition, Brits say they don’t have the skills they need to progress their careers over the next five years and beyond (53%), with more than half (55%) saying they haven’t carried out training since they left education.  More than 4 in 10 (41%) believe a lack of confidence in themselves is the greatest challenge to them progressing their careers.

Philipp Wohland, Chief People Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“As a leading employer, we want to create an environment where employees can grow and thrive in their careers at Virgin Media O2.

“Our revitalised learning and development programme will help to provide our people with the tools they need to grow their skills, capabilities, and confidence for now and for the future.

“It builds on the comprehensive measures we have in place to support our employees – from our best-in-class leave policies, to our private healthcare offer, and our work to become a more inclusive and equitable company – we’re committed to creating a workplace that helps all our employees be their best.”

Leading employer

Virgin Media O2 offers a series of best-in-class policies as part of its ambition to become a more inclusive, equitable and responsible employer.

The company offers a suite of leave policies to ensure employees can be there for their loved ones when it counts. This includes 26-weeks paid maternity or adoption leave, 14-weeks-paid paternity leave, plus up to 12 weeks’ neonatal leave and the gold-standard of five annual days’ paid carers’ leave.

Virgin Media O2 has also enhanced its private healthcare plan that is available for all employees. This includes:

• Removing the outpatient limit to ensure employees and their families can access the treatment they need.
• Private diagnostic assessments for a range of neurodiverse conditions which will help employees to receive a potential diagnosis for a condition, and to access the support they need to thrive in their role, such as workplace adjustments. The assessment can also be accessed by employees’ partners or children where they are covered under the plan.
• A Menopause Plan which provides personalised support, advice and consultations with menopause trained practitioners to help women manage their symptoms.
• Access to a 24/7 mental health support helpline.

Lastly, as part of its diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, All In, Virgin Media O2 has a number of ambitions to improve the representation of both women and people from Global Majority Groups from across the organisation by the end of 2027.