Course overview
Through hands-on sessions and real workplace scenarios, you learn how to use tools such as Microsoft Copilot and other AI assistants to streamline tasks, analyse information, create content and improve productivity. You also explore the principles of responsible AI, including governance, risk and ethical considerations, helping organisations adopt AI safely and effectively.
Relevant across a range of sectors, including finance, legal, public services and professional services, the course reflects the growing importance of AI literacy, data-driven decision-making and responsible technology adoption in today's workplace.
Designed for immediate impact, you gain practical skills and techniques that can be applied straight away to reduce manual effort, increase efficiency and help teams get more value from digital tools.
The programme is designed for professionals looking to embed AI into day-to-day operations, including administrators, managers, sales teams, account managers, project teams and operational staff, as well as anyone interested in improving productivity and making better use of AI-powered tools in the workplace.
Top 5 reasons to join this programme:
Put AI to work in your day-to-day role
Discover practical ways to use AI tools to improve productivity, streamline processes, automate routine tasks and make better-informed decisions.
Build confidence with Microsoft Copilot and AI assistants
Gain hands-on experience using AI within Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint to create content, analyse information and work more efficiently.
Create immediate impact in the workplace
Develop practical skills that can be applied straight away to save time, reduce manual effort and help teams work smarter and more effectively.
Use AI responsibly and with confidence
Explore key considerations such as privacy, bias, transparency and governance to ensure AI is used safely, ethically and in line with organisational requirements.
Master the art of effective prompting
Learn how to write clear, structured prompts that improve the quality of AI outputs, enhance productivity and unlock greater value from AI tools across a range of workplace scenarios.
The Tees Valley Adult Skills Fund provides up to 90% funding for SMEs and up to 70% for larger organisations, for delegates who meet the required residency criteria.
Powered by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Course details
What you study
AI Ethics and Advanced Prompt Engineering
Develop the knowledge and skills needed to use AI responsibly, safely and effectively. This module explores the ethical considerations surrounding modern AI technologies, including fairness, transparency, bias, privacy and accountability, helping you understand how these issues influence real-world applications and organisational decision-making. You also learn practical prompt engineering techniques to get the best results from AI tools, craft more effective prompts, and apply AI in ways that align with good governance and organisational policy. By the end of the session, you are equipped to use AI with greater confidence while balancing innovation with ethical responsibility.
Practical Use of Microsoft AI
Discover how Microsoft AI tools can help you work more efficiently, make better-informed decisions and unlock new ways of working. Through practical demonstrations and hands-on activities, you learn how tools such as Microsoft Copilot can support everyday tasks including drafting communications, summarising documents, creating presentations, analysing information and generating ideas. Designed to deliver immediate workplace benefits, the session provides practical skills and techniques that can be applied straight away to improve productivity, enhance collaboration and help you get more value from Microsoft 365.
How you learn
The programme is delivered through a combination of on-campus workshops and dedicated one-to-one mentoring sessions. Interactive and highly practical, the sessions encourage discussion, reflection and real-world application, providing opportunities to learn from both experienced facilitators and fellow participants.
How you are assessed
With no formal assessments, this unaccredited course allows you to focus on developing practical skills without the pressure of exams, encouraging the application of knowledge directly in the workplace. You will however receive a certificate of completion and attendance as a result.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You are expected to:
- be a Tees Valley resident aged 19 and over, and meet the relevant legal entitlement requirements
- have a clear development pathway within your employment, such as progression into a new or more senior role, increased responsibilities, salary progression, or developing skills to meet an identified business need
- commit to engaging with the programme and completing all required documentation and reporting.
Employability
Career opportunities
Our bespoke, employer-led programmes combine practical learning with real-world application, supporting positive outcomes for both organisations and employees.
These programmes are designed for employers with identified workforce development needs and employees who are being supported to progress within their role, take on additional responsibilities, address skills gaps, or prepare for promotion and career advancement. The focus is on enabling business growth, improving productivity, and supporting workforce progression through targeted skills development.