KPMG partners with MK College Group to educate T Level learners on ethics in AI

Since joining MK College Group as an anchor partner for the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) in Bletchley in 2019, KPMG have been heavily involved in a range of projects, offering their expertise to both staff and learners as a leading provider of professional services for businesses, employers and individuals. 

In 2023, discussion began on how KPMG could work more closely with the SCIoT to educate future talent on the importance of applying ethics and ethical thinking when considering the use of or using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This led to the design and development of a series of six modules on Ethics in AI by KPMG learning experts together with ethical AI leaders who support many organisations across sectors.  

Designed for students at the SCIoT, the first round of the Data and AI Ethics Programme saw T Level Cyber learners study the programme which was delivered over six weeks by industry-leading professionals from KPMG, starting in November 2024. The topics covered included why data and AI should be used in an ethical way, understanding data and AI risks, managing these risks and preparing for what’s coming next in the world of AI. The sessions are delivered face-to-face, centred around a scenario that is provided to learners to discuss in break out groups and then talk through as a whole class.  

Reflecting on KPMG’s contribution to the project, Caroline Indge, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at MK College Group, said: “At Milton Keynes College Group we are acutely aware of the importance of Artificial Intelligence, the benefits it brings and potential risks. Working with KPMG to create an engaging programme that enables our curious and inquisitive students to understand the importance of applying ethics to their thinking has been invaluable. The business intelligence and passion that KPMG has included within the modules adds another dimension to the learning experience, bringing real life ideas and concepts enhancing the debates, and reinforcing the value of the content.    

“The course has given learners the opportunity to question AI and consider the wider implications of its use in a variety of industries. Having KPMG’s experts involved means that students get to see real-world case studies, and question how decisions were made and why,” says Caroline Indge. “Our participants are getting the skills they’ll need to flourish in an AI-enabled workforce. That’s possible because we’re working in partnership with KPMG. That’s what’s making the difference.”  

When asked about their views on the best thing about the course, students said: 

“Having people from different industries who have already encountered ethical use of AI and having them describe their experiences and their own opinions was the best part about this course.” 

“The variety of people who came into speak to talk, and their various roles in KPMG.” 

“The best thing about this course is that there is a group focus that is related to the industry.” 

As an SCIoT anchor partner, this was an opportunity for KPMG to directly engage with our students, providing business essential skills, critical thinking opportunities and an insight into the challenges faced by the corporate world. 

Reflecting on the partnership with KPMG, Penny Langford, Executive Head of Digital at the South Central Institute of Technology, said: “The value of this partnership was two-fold, not only are our learners being equipped with the skills to plan for and evaluate AI but also to hear from the industry experts actively engaged in this cutting-edge field”. 

James Nowell, Head of School at the South Central Institute of Technology, added: “This partnership has been invaluable for our learners. We have a duty of care to ensure our learners are equipped with not only the right practical skills but the right mindset, preparing them for their career aspirations. KPMG’s program has given the learners the opportunity to question AI and consider the wider implications of its use in a variety of industries.  Having experts working with the learners means that they get the real-world case studies as well as questioning how decisions were made and why.  This gives our learners valuable insights into how their skills make them valuable to future employers. We can’t thank KPMG enough for bringing this opportunity to our learners and we look forward to rolling this out to more of our learners this year”. 

After the success of the first round of the Data and AI Ethics Programme , the next round will be delivered between January and April 2025 with plans to continue to offer this programme on an ongoing basis. There will also be further discussions between KPMG and the SCIoT teams on how this content can be adapted for other learners within the wider Milton Keynes College Group community. 

So, the future of this partnership is looking bright! Anna Clarke, Director of Employer Engagement and Partnerships at MK College Group agrees, adding that: “Our students are the employees of the future, so by working with KPMG we can provide them with teaching that reflects the real world and opportunities to gain the skills needed for when they enter the workforce. Working with partners like KPMG means that we can ensure that what we can deliver is equipping our learners with the skills for the future. By working in partnership, we can make the difference!” 

Leanne Allen, UK Head of AI at KPMG, added: “We’ve been working with MK College Group as an anchor partner since 2019 – giving its staff and learners access to our experts. When the College Group founded the SCIoT, we were keen to get involved – especially with the conversation around ethical applications of AI. 

“Having a pipeline of future talent is going to be key to making the UK an AI superpower. And education providers like MK College Group, working in partnership with industry, are going to be key to that”. 

To find out more about working with MK College Group, contact the Employer Team: employerteam@mkcollege.ac.uk