AI Essentials
AI Essentials is an advanced program for SMB teams looking to move from informal AI use to a more structured, practical, and responsible approach. The program covers AI literacy, advanced prompting, opportunity mapping, tool-specific applications, workflow integration, automation, performance measurement, and governance.
This program is designed for businesses that want employees to use tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and CRM-based AI more confidently and consistently while building practical workflows that improve productivity, quality, and long-term AI adoption.
What to expect
AI Essentials is a 12-week instructor-led program designed for SMB teams that are already using AI informally or want a more structured way to begin. The program helps participants build practical AI capability using the tools their team already has access to, such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, and CRM-based AI tools.
The program covers AI literacy, advanced prompting, opportunity mapping, tool-specific practice, workflow integration, automation, performance measurement, and simple governance. It is designed to help teams move from scattered AI use to more consistent, practical, and responsible adoption.
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
- Explain what AI can and cannot reliably do in a business context
- Use advanced prompting techniques for more complex workplace tasks
- Identify AI opportunities using an Automate, Augment, Protect, and Deprioritize framework
- Practise tool-specific AI workflows using the platforms available to their team
- Design and document AI-assisted workflows that fit daily operations
- Measure AI impact using practical performance indicators
- Apply simple governance practices for safer and more consistent AI use
Curriculum Details
Module 1:
AI Literacy & Prompt Foundations
Participants build a shared understanding of how AI works, where it commonly fails, and how to write clearer prompts. The module introduces the role, context, format, and constraints framework using real workplace tasks.
Module 2:
Advanced Prompting Techniques
Participants learn how to handle more complex prompting situations using multi-step instructions, tone control, length control, and format control. The module helps participants move beyond basic prompts and improve consistency in AI outputs.
Module 3:
The Opportunity Map
Participants use task logs to identify where AI can help their work and where human judgment should remain central. The module introduces the Automate, Augment, Protect, and Deprioritize framework and helps teams prioritize practical quick wins.
Module 4:
Tool Track, Core Features & First Exercises
Participants complete hands-on practice in the AI platform their team uses, such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, or CRM-based AI tools. The module focuses on core features and foundational use cases connected to real workplace tasks.
Module 5:
Tool Track, Advanced Use & Role-Based Practice
Participants move into more advanced, role-specific exercises for functions such as sales, operations, customer service, and administration. The module helps teams apply AI in a way that is practical for their actual responsibilities.
Module 6:
Workflow Integration & Automation
Participants learn how to embed AI into existing business processes rather than using it as a separate tool. The module focuses on redesigning priority workflows, creating repeatable prompt templates, and connecting AI outputs to downstream tools.
Module 7:
Measuring Impact & Iterating
Participants learn how to measure whether AI is actually improving work quality, time savings, or consistency. The module introduces a simple AI performance scorecard and shows how to refine prompts and workflows based on real results.
Module 8:
Governance, Champion & Sustaining Adoption
Participants develop practical AI usage guidelines covering data handling, quality review, human oversight, and error reporting. The module also focuses on assigning ownership and creating a review rhythm to sustain adoption after training.
Timeline
Registrations open year round.
Registration details
Program Format
The program is delivered in-person and virtually
Price
$10,000 + HST per trainee
Duration
12 Weeks
Best designed for
- Business owners and team leads moving from general AI awareness to applied proficiency
- Sales, customer service, and operations professionals using or planning to use AI tools
- Managers responsible for team productivity and consistent AI capability
- SMB employees whose roles involve writing, reporting, research, communication, or repetitive knowledge work
Registration is open
Registration is now open.
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Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
