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CAVA collaborates with NOCN Group to Launch New AI Awareness Qualifications Aligned to the UK’s National AI Skills Agenda

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, we are proud to announce with NOCN Group the launch of two new qualifications:

  • NOCN Level 2 Award in AI Awareness

  • NOCN Level 2 Certificate in AI Awareness

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.

Strengthening the UK’s AI Skills Base

At CAVA we know the challenges the education sector faces with AI, but it is crucial we also harness its potential. As AI tools continue to develop and become more integrated into all spheres of life, it is essential that qualification and training is developed to equip students not only to use AI effectively and ethically but to understand and evaluate it critically.


CAVA supports NOCN Group, in strongly welcoming the government’s focus on AI, digital capability and workforce readiness. These themes are central to our shared purpose as a not-for-profit educational organisations 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.

NOCN Group welcomes the government’s recognition that AI literacy is now essential across sectors—not only in high-tech roles. This aligns strongly with their vision of giving all learners, regardless of background or starting point, the opportunity to gain the skills they need for success. CAVA is fully supportive of this stance. 

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.

We are really looking forward to working with our CAVA community, to deliver these exciting new qualifications to help make AI skills accessible, meaningful and beneficial for all.

For more information about how to run these qualifications and funding opportunities please contact quality@cava.ac.uk.

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