Training employees for the AI era
Once you’re certain about how you’d like to integrate AI into your business, it’s time to empower your employees. Knowing how to use AI is critical to minimising issues and maximising results, so be sure to follow the recommendations below:
Understand the basics of AI
The first step in preparing employees is to give them a basic understanding of AI technologies. This includes not only how the technology works, but also ethical considerations. The latter is about creating mindfulness amongst the workforce about AI, data, regulatory requirements, and violations of personal data protection. In addition, it is also about the potential impact on one's own workplace and how the range of activities may change or be transformed.
Develop specific training for specialist applications
Depending on the area of application of AI in an organisation, specific training programs should be developed that focus on the relevant applications and tools. Whether it is the use of AI-driven analysis tools or interaction with chatbots, employees need to know how to use AI technologies effectively and how they can add value to their day-to-day experience at work.
Foster creativity and problem-solving skills
In a work environment shaped by AI, soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to solve problems are becoming increasingly important. Training should therefore aim to promote these skills to prepare employees to work with AI and leverage its potential. It is also important to master what is known as correct prompting at this point. Prompting refers to the method used to enter queries, commands, or an order into an AI tool to generate corresponding results. Prompting should not be equated with entering data into an internet search engine such as Google. Employees need to understand the detailed requirements of AI tools to obtain meaningful results.
Promote continuous learning and adaptation
The landscape of AI technology is rapidly evolving. Therefore, companies must promote a culture of lifelong learning to ensure that their employees stay abreast of the latest technology while adapting to new developments. Numerous training providers specialise in providing training in AI knowledge and skills. Choosing the right provider depends on various factors, such as the specific learning objective, the level of prior knowledge, the desired learning format (online or face-to-face) and the budget.
Below are some recognised platforms and institutes that offer high-quality AI training courses:
Online platforms
LinkedIn Learning: Offers a wide range of courses in AI and machine learning that are ideal for professionals to enhance their skills.Coursera: Offers courses and specialisations in AI offered by leading universities and companies such as Stanford University and Google Cloud.Udacity: Specialised in technology-focused courses, including nano degree programs in AI and machine learning, which have been developed in collaboration with industry experts.edX: A platform launched by Harvard and MIT offering a variety of AI and computer science courses from universities around the world.
Specialised institutes and organisations
DeepLearning.AI: Founded by Andrew Ng, one of the most prominent names in AI, DeepLearning.AI offers specialised courses in deep learning and machine learning.MIT Professional Education: Offers advanced courses in artificial intelligence and machine learning for professionals who want to deepen their knowledge.NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute: Provides hands-on training in AI and deep learning tailored to the use of NVIDIA technology.Simplilearn: A platform that offers professional certifications and training, including courses in AI and machine learning developed in collaboration with leading companies and universities.Fraunhofer Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Alliance: Offers a wide range of training courses on data science and AI.European Information Technologies Certification Academy: The European Academy based in Brussels offers fully online and internationally accessible programs. It is managed by the European Institute for IT Certification and sets a standard in digital skills certification.
Face-to-face training and workshops
Many local universities and technical schools also offer courses and workshops in AI. These include:
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)The University of Hong Kong (HKU)The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)City University of Hong Kong (CityU)The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
Training through such institutions can be particularly valuable if you value direct interaction with lecturers and fellow students. Before deciding on a training provider, take the time to research reviews and testimonials from previous participants.
Be sure to carefully check the course content and, if necessary, take advantage of free trial offers to ensure that the course meets your requirements.
AI upskilling strategies
While tailored training programs and learning institutions are highly valuable when teaching employees how to use AI in your business, it’s important to continually develop ways to upskill your team.
David says, “AI training is not a ‘one-off’ session. AI itself is rapidly evolving and organisational training needs to support this. One online course won’t suffice – take the time to invest in continuous and collaborative learning that will help your employees to grow with AI.”
If you’re looking for some additional upskilling strategies (outside of the formal training methods), why not try the below:
Encourage participation in workshops and boot camps – To help employees gain practical skills quickly. These can be run in-house or through external providers like SANS Institute or other specialised training organizations.Foster collaborative learning – To encourage teamwork, innovation, and peer-to-peer learning. Group projects provide a useful way for employees to enhance their understanding of AI concepts.Implement mentorship programs – To provide personalised guidance and support. Be sure to pair less experienced employees with internal AI experts to boost the benefits of one-on-one learning.Invest in continuous learning – To enhance competitiveness and innovation. Encourage employees to stay updated with the latest AI developments by providing access to resources such as industry journals, webinars, and conferences.Provide hands-on learning and problem-solving opportunities – To help employees apply their skills. Projects and case studies give employees the chance to turn theory into practice, demonstrating the tangible impact of AI on the business.
David believes that all training and upskilling initiatives must be regularly reviewed to track their effectiveness. He says, “Don’t assume that your initial AI training programs will be a magic bullet. Despite your best intentions, they will prove useless if they aren’t carefully critiqued. To ensure business growth, be sure to review each program against key metrics.”
Below are some important metrics to consider:
Performance improvement – Track changes in efficiency and accuracy before and after the training.Skill proficiency – Deploy practical tests to assess employ proficiency with AI tools.Productivity metrics - Assess any productivity ‘wins’, such as time savings, increased output, and reduced error rates.Employee Feedback – Take the time to gather employee feedback about AI applications.Business outcomes - Evaluate the impact on wider business goals such as revenue growth, cost savings, and employee satisfaction.
