Bud Assist for Learners

Introduction

Bud Assist for Learners is a powerful Agentic AI capability that is directly embedded in the Bud platform. It has contextual knowledge and understanding of the learners’ programme of study, activities, progress and further Bud details.  

It is specifically designed to assist learners by providing quick and accurate answers to their queries, ensuring 24 / 7 availability of AI chatbot support and further enhancing learner engagement. 

Whilst Bud Assist can support learners with their questions, it will not do the work for them or be able to update any learner records on the learners behalf. 

This article will explain how you can use Bud Assist for Learners.

 

How to: enable Bud Assist for Learners

Please note this is an Enterprise-level feature. If you are not an Enterprise customer and would like to discuss Bud Assist for Learners, please ask your Customer Success Manager.

  • Tenant Administrator

Please note that the 'Tenant Administrator' permission will need to be assigned to any user responsible for setting up Bud Assist for Learners in Bud.

You can find this permission in the 'Additional Permissions' section of the User Management page. Ensure you have this is enabled. 

  • On the Tenant Settings page, find the Bud Assist settings section.
  • Select edit and toggle on 
  • This will enable Bud Assist for ALL Programmes. 

 

Bud Recommends

  • Refer to your internal AI policy before enabling the feature
  • Enabling this feature will turn Bud Assist on for ALL programmes in your tenancy.  
  • Should you wish to be able to select which programmes will have Bud Assist enabled, this feature is currently in development (correct as of 7th July). 

 

Benefits of Bud Assist

  • Learner Support Available 24 /7 
  • Increased learner self service 
  • Trained on learner specific programme 
  • Support with specific activities and tasks 
  • Faster access to information 
  • Reduced  volume of support requests
  • Support available outside normal working hours 

 

Safeguarding and AI Guardrails

Bud Assist for Learners monitors conversations for language or behaviours that may indicate a learner requires additional support. Where appropriate, it will respond with supportive messaging, encourage the learner to speak with their tutor or designated safeguarding contact and log the interaction.

Bud Assist for Learners can identify potential safeguarding concerns relating to:

  • Self-harm or suicide.
  • Abuse or harm from others.
  • Serious criminal activity or exploitation.
  • Mental health struggles.
  • Signs of neglect or instability.
  • Bullying or harassment.
  • Disengagement and signs of distress.
  • Financial stress.
  • Isolation or loneliness.

These safeguarding categories are managed centrally by Bud and cannot be customised by individual organisations. However, if you have feedback or suggestions for additional safeguarding concerns that should be considered for future releases, please contact your Customer Success Manager.

 

Bud Assist for Learners will:

  • Explain activity criteria and Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs).
  • Suggest examples of evidence learners may wish to consider.
  • Help learners interpret tutor feedback.
  • Explain learner progress and programme milestones.
  • Break down activities, concepts and topics into simpler language.
  • Support learners in reviewing their work against activity criteria before submission.
  • Provide general information about career progression opportunities.
  • Offer encouragement and help learners stay engaged throughout their programme.

 

Bud Assist for Learners won't:

  • Complete assignments or generate the work for the learner.
  • Update the records on the learner’s behalf.
  • Grade, approve or predict assessment outcomes.
  • Tell learners exactly what evidence they must submit.
  • Provide counselling, therapy or wellbeing advice.
  • Make personal or career decisions on behalf of learners.
  • Answer questions unrelated to the learner's apprenticeship or the Bud platform.
  • Reveal internal platform processes or confidential information.

 

Coming Soon 

  • Trainer conversation history – Allow trainers to view learner conversations, providing greater insight and enabling more personalised support.
  • AI-powered safeguarding – Bud Assist will identify, categorise and raise potential safeguarding concerns from learner conversations, supporting faster intervention and stronger safeguarding processes.