There's been a lot of hype around AI in business over the past couple of years, and we're starting to see people using it more and more. In South Yorkshire, we've seen growing companies like Automated Analytics and IntelliAM analysing data using cutting-edge machine learning. At our Tech Summit in March, we're going to hear from local experts about how AI can be useful for businesses and the public sector in South Yorkshire, and how Doncaster is leading the way.
AI technologies can be transformative tools for companies, unlocking new insights and automating time-consuming tasks. But if you're worried about being left behind or want to go beyond the basics, what training is available in 2025? I've compiled a list of free and funded training you can access to tap into the potential of AI for your business, or simply to better understand this new development in technology.
AI innovation is here, and understanding the fundamentals is key to implementing AI into our work lives in an ethical, responsible way. While there are concerns and discussions about how to regulate AI, it could revolutionise how we work and help businesses grow, and knowledge is power in the digital era. Consider making a company AI policy before you set up new AI projects to protect your data and establish best practices.
AI Training for Businesses in South Yorkshire
The DMC in Barnsley is hosting a free taster session on Tuesday 28th January with four industry speakers sharing how they use AI. There is an opportunity for companies to access follow-on workshops which are majority funded by South Yorkshire Skills Bank to develop an AI implementation plan. See details at: AI ExplAIned! What It Is, What It Can Do, What It Can Do For Your Business.
You can apply for bespoke training up to 60% funded by the South Yorkshire Skills Bank if you need something different, or want to bring in a specialist. While other schemes like the AI Upskilling Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund Business Productivity and Digitisation Grant are inactive at the time of writing, there may be more national grants like these in future.
The councils' business support teams and the universities regularly run events on AI and innovation for businesses for low or no cost, we'll share opportunities like these with our network. Check out upcoming events on robotics and more from the University of Sheffield's Centre for Machine Intelligence here.
Free AI Training for Anyone
Government-funded Skills Bootcamps now offer Artificial Intelligence for Business, which would be a good choice for leaders. Note that these bootcamps are free for self-employed people and career changers to take once a year but have to be partially paid for by employers when upskilling, though SMEs only need to cover 10% of the cost. Mastered runs one of these AI bootcamps tailored to creative businesses and freelancers.
Tech giant Google has a new Gen AI and LLM beginner-level course you can take online for free, such as the Introduction to Generative AI, plus more advanced modules for developers which require a subscription at Google Cloud Skills Boost.
Here's an introductory video on using AI to do more, Boost Your Productivity With AI, and some of their Google Digital Garage sessions are free like this one on Machine Learning. Understanding Machine Learning. Bear in mind that Google's training will all be geared towards Gemini and its own cloud software.
Computer Scientist Andrew Ng and Coursera have teamed up to offer a free course in AI for organisations, exploring problem-solving, machine learning and ethics: AI For Everyone.
LinkedIn Learning has a free course on Generative AI for business leaders on how to use this technology.
Microsoft has a guide to Copilot and their software's AI along with AI courses for leaders in various sectors: transform your business with Microsoft AI.
Decide how to integrate gen AI into your business with this learning plan from Amazon: AWS Generative AI Learning Plan for Decision Makers.
LearnPrompting has some free courses such as ChatGPT for Everyone.
Dive deeper with Udacity's free intermediate course on AI, which is more practical and technical, there are other courses by them and Udemy on data science and machine learning. See their Introduction to Artificial Intelligence.
General Assembly run a fair amount of lunch-and-learn webinars for free like this one: Generative AI Basics.
There are a lot of different tools and apps now using forms of AI, here’s a list to get you started: The 14 Best AI Tools for Small Businesses and How to Use Them. One of the buzzwords you might hear about is Agentic AI, which is much more autonomous and sophisticated than simple chatbots and automation.
Founders, business leaders and professionals across sectors can benefit from learning about AI, with experts saying 2025 looks to be the year when all the hype translates to reality. As we see debates about copyright and cybersecurity play out, it’s good to stay informed about AI and explore ways it can help organisations with efficiency and productivity.
Let me know if I've missed any other standout resources for learning about this new frontier of technology, and join us at the South Yorkshire Tech Summit to dive deeper into this topic. Don't forget to follow us on social media or join our monthly mailing list to keep on top of tech news for the region.
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