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 Bootcamps 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. Below are details of the AI for Business Essentials and AI for Business Advanced Skills Bootcamps available.
FREE for self employed and job seekers
Partially funded opportunities for PAYE. Must have proof of self employment.
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.
What AI essentials will boost your business?
Introduction to AI : Embark on your AI journey by discovering the pivotal moments that shaped artificial intelligence and transformed the business landscape. You’ll master essential AI concepts and terminology while exploring real-world applications that are revolutionizing how companies operate today.
Prompt Engineering Techniques: Unlock the power of effective communication with AI by mastering the art of prompt engineering. You’ll discover how to craft compelling prompts using the proven RAPPER framework and build your own comprehensive prompt library for consistent results.
Getting AI to Sound Like Your Brand: Transform generic AI responses into authentic brand communications that truly represent your voice. Learn how to personalise ChatGPT with your business knowledge and create a distinctive tone of voice that resonates with your audience.
Creating a Custom GPT: Step into the world of custom AI solutions by exploring the full capabilities of personalized GPTs. You’ll build, deploy, and continuously refine your own custom GPT tailored specifically to your business needs.
Image and Video Creation: Bring your creative vision to life through AI-powered visual content. Master the techniques of prompt engineering for stunning image generation, then expand into creating compelling AI-generated videos and soundscapes.
Identifying AI Use Cases: Discover meaningful opportunities where AI can transform your business operations. Learn to align potential use cases with your strategic goals and identify role-specific applications that deliver real value.
Creating AI Workflows: Streamline your business processes by mapping current workflows and pinpointing areas for improvement. You’ll learn to identify inefficiencies and define clear AI opportunities that enhance productivity.
Planning Your AI Journey: Chart a strategic path forward by assessing your current AI readiness and mapping out priority opportunities. Create a comprehensive roadmap that guides your organization’s AI transformation with confidence.
Understanding the Role of Data: Gain essential insights into the foundation of AI success through data literacy. Explore what data means for AI applications, master security fundamentals, and learn powerful techniques for AI-driven data analysis.
Understanding AI Risks: Navigate the AI landscape safely by recognizing common pitfalls and potential challenges. Learn to identify specific risks within your business context and develop a practical AI usage policy that protects your organization.
Choosing the Right AI Tools: Make informed decisions about AI technology by understanding how these tools are developed and function. You’ll learn to identify solutions relevant to your business and create a comprehensive vendor evaluation checklist for secure adoption.
Building Personal Resilience in AI Era: Prepare yourself for the evolving workplace by understanding how AI impacts professional skills and career development. Create a personalized growth plan while exploring the critical role of ethical decision-making in our AI-driven future.
Peer Learning: Connect with fellow learners in dynamic face-to-face sessions where you’ll share insights, exchange roadmaps, and build valuable relationships that support your ongoing AI 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.
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 2 -AI Essentials: The Curious Beginner |
Cohort 3- Advanced AI: Scaling Your Knowledge |
|
Tuesday 09:00-13:15 Online |
Wednesday 09:00-13:15 Online |
| 7 Oct (In person – The Village Hotel, Bracknell, RG12 0QJ) | 8 Oct (In person – The Village Hotel, Bracknell, RG12 0QJ) |
| 14 Oct | 15 Oct |
| 21 Oct | 22 Oct |
| 28 Oct | 29 Oct |
| 4 Nov | 5 Nov |
| 11 Nov | 12 Nov |
| 18 Nov | 19 Nov |
| 25 Nov | 26 Nov |
| 2 Dec | 3 Dec |
| 9 Dec | 10 Dec |
| 16 Dec | 17 Dec |
| 6 Jan | 7 Jan |
| 13 Jan | 14 Jan |
| 20 Jan | 21 Jan |
| 27 Jan (The Village Hotel, Bracknell, RG12 0QJ) | 28 Jan (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?
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.
