Berkshire Growth Academy - AI
Harness AI to save time, cut costs, and drive growth.
Make more money in less time…
Unlock AI skills that save time, increase revenue, and give you a competitive edge.
AI is moving fast, and the people who understand how to use it now will be the ones who thrive tomorrow. Whether you run a small business, freelance or have a portfolio of clients, understanding how to use AI tools can create an impressive competitive edge, and this course shows you how to start using AI where it matters most.
Over 15 weeks, our online AI Skills Bootcamp will confidently walk you through everything you need to use AI in your job, business or career. From saving time on everyday tasks, to generating more sales leads, improving decision-making and driving innovation.
FREE for self employed and job seekers
Partially funded opportunities for PAYE. Must have proof of self employment.
Fully Accredited
This is the equivelant of a mini MBA with the AI Advantage Academy.
Complete for 2025
Structured online learning and tutor support throughout for a successful 2025.
Productivity and Profit
Use AI to work faster and concentrate on activities that attract more customers.
Gain a Competitive Edge
Use AI to unlock innovation, make smarter decisions and drive business growth.
Tailored to needs
Dedicate 4 hours a week for 15 weeks online to assist you to take on more clients or find your ideal role in AI.
Ongoing Support
We support you after the Skills Bootcamp is completed, helping you grow your transferable skills into real-world scenarios.
Nurture your inner AI Superstar
Cut through the AI hype—this practical course shows you exactly where AI can make a real impact on your business.
The AI Skills Bootcamp is designed to give business owners a fast, practical understanding of how to use AI to save time, boost productivity and grow their business. You’ll explore eight essential pillars of AI that every business owner needs to stay competitive in an AI-powered world – no tech background needed.
Whether you want to generate more sales leads, improve your marketing activity, solve everyday business problems or speak confidently to clients about AI, this course gives you the understanding and skills to use AI in your business today.
Unlock Innovation and Productivity
Learn how to get more done in less time by using AI to help you work smarter, scale faster and stay ahead of your competitors.
No Jargon, Just Skills
Practical, hands-on learning that gives you the confidence to use AI safely from day one – no tech background needed
Accelerate Your Understanding of AI -Without the overwhelm
AI doesn’t have to be confusing. This session cuts through the hype and jargon to give you a practical understanding of how AI works and what it means for a business or job role. You’ll learn which types of AI are relevant, what they can (and can’t) do and how to confidently spot real opportunities without getting lost in the tech talk.
Get Hands-On with AI Tools
This practical session gives you the skills to start using AI right away. You’ll learn how to use tools like ChatGPT and image or video generators to save time, boost creativity, create better content, and get the best results using prompt writing techniques.
Spot the Best AI Opportunities
Not every task needs AI. This session helps you focus on what matters—identifying high-impact, time-saving opportunities that make sense for your business. Learn to prioritise where AI can add real value and free up your time and resources.
Turn Data into Your Most Valuable Asset
Every business has data, but not everyone knows how to use it. In this session, you’ll learn how to recognise the value in your data and how AI can uncover powerful insights that can be used to drive business growth. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to use AI to make smarter decisions.
Avoiding Common AI Pitfalls
AI can be a game changer, but only if used wisely. We’ll walk through the most common mistakes businesses make when adopting AI and give practical ways to manage the risks, so you stay smart, safe and in control.
Pick the Right AI Tools (Without the Tech Overwhelm)
With so many AI platforms and apps, how do you know what’s right for you? We’ll teach you how to review vendors before committing and avoid getting stuck with tech that doesn’t deliver.
Stay Ahead: Build a Learning Mindset for the AI Era
AI is evolving fast, and the businesses that succeed will be the ones who stay relevant. In this session, you’ll understand how AI technology develops and what it means for the future. More importantly, you’ll learn how to develop a continuous learning mindset to keep you ahead of the competition.
Future-Poof Yourself and Your Business
AI is powerful—but your experience, creativity and judgement still matter more than ever. In this final session, we’ll explore how to build both personal and professional resilience so you can work with AI, not be replaced by it.
By signing up for our Skills Bootcamp, you’re not just investing in your professional growth; you’re also joining a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who are committed to achieving their business goals. You’ll have the opportunity to network, collaborate, and learn from your peers, which can be invaluable in your journey.
Emma Shepherd
Certified AI Specialist
As a certified AI specialist with over 30 years of experience in business and consultancy, I deliver AI training that empowers professionals, from solopreneurs and small business owners to senior leaders, to understand and apply AI in practical, results-driven ways.
By embedding AI into the core of my business operations, I’ve saved time and increased profits—and now I help others do the same. My grounded, strategic approach cuts through the AI hype to uncover real opportunities for growth and innovation.
The AI Skills Bootcamp is a comprehensive training course designed for professionals at all levels. Combining practical tools with strategic insight, it equips participants with the skills needed to integrate AI into their roles, careers, or businesses and stay competitive in an AI-powered world.
I’m also a passionate advocate for closing the AI skills gap and a proud signatory of the Workforce Digital Skills Charter. In recognition of my commitment to collaborating with organisations, including government departments, I’ve been invited to attend the 2025 Workforce Digital Skills Summit.
Attending this workshop was exactly what I needed to quickly bring me up to speed on how AI integration can generate business growth. The workshop provided me with a clear framework to help start identifying high-impact use cases. I now understand the huge potential for AI to assist in all areas of our operations, streamlining processes and boosting profitability.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Skills Bootcamp and helping you achieve your AI goals. Let’s conquer the world of AI together!
This is a 15-week course with 60 hours of learning total. Please register your interest using the form below.
Course Dates:
| Cohort 1 Wednesdays 09:00-13:15 Online | Cohort 2 Thursdays 09:00-13:15 Online |
| 7 May (In person – The Village Hotel, Bracknell, RG12 0QJ) | 8 Oct (In person – The Village Hotel, Bracknell, RG12 0QJ) |
| 14 May | 15 Oct |
| 21 May | 22 Oct |
| 28 May | 29 Oct |
| 4 June | 5 Nov |
| 11 June | 12 Nov |
| 18 June | 19 Nov |
| 25 June | 26 Nov |
| 2 July | 3 Dec |
| 9 July | 10 Dec |
| 16 July | 17 Dec |
| 23 July | 7 Jan |
| 30 July | 14 Jan |
| 6 August | 21 Jan (The Village Hotel, Bracknell, RG12 0QJ) |
| 13 August (In person – The Village Hotel, Bracknell, RG12 0QJ) |
Skills Bootcamps are subject to funding from the Department of Education, and eligibility criteria apply.
Learning
Networking
Collaborating
Am I eligible?
For this Skills Bootcamp, you are required to be self employed or under PAYE. No previous knowledge is required.
You must be over the age of 19 to be eligible.
What will I learn?
All modules will lead to a mini MBA in AI. You will learn:
Practical AI Skills
Use Case Identification and Prioritisation
Understanding the Role of Data
Avoiding AI Pitfalls
Choosing AI Tools
Closing the Skills Gap
Building Resilience in the AI Future
The course will also provide the following skills and attitude learning:
Machine Learning: techniques and training
Develop a comprehensive understanding of AI and the evolution of its capabilities and ability to differentiate between various AI approaches
Understanding the critical role of data in AI
Awareness of how applications are developed, enabling informed decision-making
Understand the role of AI innovation in different industries: small business, E-commerce, healthcare case study, marketing, sales, manufacturing, customer service, finance and retail
Gain insights into AI's current and future impact on industries
Recognise obstacles like skills gaps, regulatory challenges, and technological barriers.
Understand how organisations view AI and factors driving adoption resistance
What equipment do I need?
You'll need a laptop/desktop with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet.
What happens after?
Upon successful completion of the Skills Bootcamp, you will receive a certificate plus further support from the Berkshire Growth Hub team.
Am I free or do I pay?
If you are self employed you do not need to pay.
If you wish to upskill your own teams, as a business you will contribute a portion of funding (10% for SMEs, 30% for large employers), while the Department for Education covers the rest.
What is a Skills Bootcamp?
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with an employer.
Our Bootcamp is a comprehensive, funded program that provides you with the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your sales skills to the next level. We believe that everyone has the potential to become a sales superstar, and our goal is to help you unlock that potential.
Our mission is to help you master the art of sales and sales techniques, the cornerstone of any successful business venture.