AI Career Launchpad Level 4 Part-time

Kick-start your future in one of the fastest-growing industries with the AI Career Launchpad, an innovative paid six-month training programme designed to prepare you for careers in AI, digital technology and innovation.

This exciting opportunity is ideal for adults who are looking to upskill, retrain or take their first steps into a technology-focused career. Whether you're currently unemployed, looking to change careers, or wanting to enhance your digital skills, the programme provides the knowledge, experience and industry exposure needed to progress into employment.

The programme combines classroom-based learning with real workplace experience. You'll spend three days per week in College developing technical AI, digital and employability skills, and two days per week on placement with a local employer, giving you valuable hands-on experience in a business environment. This unique model allows you to apply your learning in the workplace while building your professional network and confidence.

During the programme, you'll explore key topics including AI, digital technologies, automation, data, productivity tools, business applications of AI, professional skills and workplace behaviours. You'll also take part in employer-led projects, industry workshops, mentoring activities and careers guidance sessions designed to help you secure employment and thrive in the modern workplace.

You'll study in our modern digital facilities, with access to industry-standard hardware, software and AI tools, supported by experienced tutors and employer partners. Through a combination of practical learning, collaborative projects and workplace experience, you'll develop the skills that employers are actively seeking across a wide range of sectors.

The AI Career Launchpad is more than just a training programme. It's an opportunity to gain real industry experience and work alongside employers and prepare for a successful future.

You will receive a stipend equivalent to the Living Wage, totalling £10,902.50 across the six-month programme. This will be paid in six monthly instalments, subject to the programme’s agreed payment arrangements and continued participation.

Course content

The AI Career Launchpad follows a practical, project-based curriculum designed to develop the technical knowledge, professional skills and workplace behaviours required to use artificial intelligence and automation responsibly within organisations.

During the programme, you will explore:

• AI and automation fundamentals, including how organisations identify opportunities to improve services, productivity and efficiency.

• Responsible AI, covering ethics, fairness, transparency, data protection, security, privacy, bias, accessibility and human oversight.

• Process mapping and workflow design, learning how to review existing processes, identify problems and design improved AI-enabled workflows.

• AI and automation tools, including the evaluation and use of low-code and no-code platforms, cloud technologies and integrated digital systems.

• Prompt engineering and applied AI, including conversational AI, chatbots, text processing and summarisation.

• Solution design and development, from gathering user requirements and planning a solution through to building prototypes and proofs of concept.

• Testing and optimisation, including test planning, troubleshooting, user feedback and the continuous improvement of AI and automation solutions.

• Data preparation and integration, exploring how data, APIs, scripting and technical components can support automated solutions.

• Project and change management, helping organisations introduce new technologies and support employees through workplace change.

• Communication and user support, including progress reporting, technical documentation, accessible user guides and staff training.

• Measuring impact, including how to evaluate and report improvements in productivity, quality, cost and customer service.

• Emerging AI technologies, considering future developments, opportunities, risks and the importance of continuing professional development.