Aspire 2Be launches fully funded BCS and Microsoft accredited courses in AI and data
Aspire 2Be, the digital learning specialist within Educ8 Group, has added four new accredited courses from BCS The Chartered Institute for IT, and Microsoft, to its portfolio. All four are fully funded, so employers and learners across Wales can gain recognised AI and data qualifications without the cost.
The new courses are:
- BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence: get to grips with what AI is, how it works and how to use it responsibly, all in one day, live online.
- Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals: learn how to set up, manage and get the most from Microsoft Copilot and AI agents in your organisation.
- Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate: build your skills in designing and delivering data analytics solutions with Microsoft Fabric.
- Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate: learn to ingest, transform and manage data at scale using Microsoft Fabric.
Together, the courses create a clear path for every stage of an organisation’s AI journey. The BCS certificate gives anyone a confident, responsible grounding in AI in a single day. The Copilot and agents course helps IT teams roll out AI tools safely. The two Fabric qualifications build the advanced data skills that make AI work in practice.
Based in Port Talbot and working with organisations across Wales and the UK, Aspire 2Be describes itself as the only Professional Development Partner for AWS, Google and Microsoft in the UK. Adding BCS accreditation brings the professional body for IT into that mix.
Meeting a growing need for digital and AI skills
The launch comes as Welsh businesses face a clear skills challenge. According to the Lloyds Business Barometer, 42% of Welsh businesses say their workforce doesn’t have the AI skills needed to meet business requirements and stay competitive. That is well above the UK average of 31%. At the same time, 51% of Welsh firms plan to increase their investment in AI over the coming year.
The Welsh Government has also made AI skills a priority. Its AI Plan for Wales, published in November 2025, commits to equipping “people across Wales with the skills to thrive in an AI-shaped future”. In January 2026 it announced £2.1 million to help SMEs adopt AI, including £1 million through the Flexible Skills Programme to bridge digital skills gaps.
Accredited, recognised and fully funded
Cost is often the biggest barrier to upskilling. Because these courses are fully funded, employers can build AI and data capability across their teams, and learners gain industry-recognised credentials from two of the most respected names in technology.
“Every organisation we work with is thinking about AI, but many aren’t sure where to start. These courses give people a clear route, from understanding AI responsibly in a single day to building advanced data skills with Microsoft Fabric, and because they’re fully funded, cost is no longer the barrier.” Matt Smith, MD, Aspire 2Be.
To find out more and check your eligibility, visit aspire2be.co.uk or contact the team at info@aspire2be.co.uk
