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Take your next step into the workforce, with the support and mentorship of real people

A 4 week, hands-on course in York that builds your confidence alongside practical digital and AI skills.

  • In person in York
  • Fully funded courses running January to March 2027
  • Adults 18 and over
Register your interest Book a chat

In-person training one day a week, with optional practice tasks in between. Days run 9:30am to 4:30pm. No experience or equipment needed.

Illustration of four smiling adults chatting together

Why AI for Careers

A course built around people, not technology

AI for Careers is about you. It helps you feel more confident, learn useful skills and work out your next step, with friendly support the whole way through.

  • Human skills first

    Communication, problem solving and teamwork matter in every job. We build these alongside your digital skills.

  • Confidence at your pace

    Many people join after time away from work or learning. We take things steadily and notice every bit of progress.

  • Support tailored to you

    Every participant has a mentor. We shape the support around your goals and what you need to get there.

  • In person, with real people

    Every session is face to face in York. You learn in a small group with a friendly team in the room.

What you get

Everything is taken care of

The course is fully funded. Just bring yourself.

  • Your own mentor

    Someone in your corner from your first day to your next step.

  • Devices and materials

    We provide the equipment you need. Not having a laptop is not a problem.

  • Lunch every day

    Lunch is provided on each of the four in-person days.

  • A certificate

    Everyone who completes the course receives a certificate.

  • Meet employers

    Meet local employers during selected sessions, with further employer encounters after the course.

  • Help with what comes next

    We point you towards local training, apprenticeships, volunteering and employment support.

The four days

One day a week, for four weeks

You do not need any technical knowledge. Each day starts from where you are.

  1. Day 1 of 4

    AI fundamentals

    Start from the very beginning

    • What AI is, in plain English, and where you already use it
    • Trying friendly AI tools, such as chatbots, hands on
    • Using AI safely: checking answers and keeping personal details private
    • How employers are using AI at work today
  2. Day 2 of 4

    Introduction to Python

    Try simple coding, step by step

    • What coding is and why it is a useful skill
    • Writing your first lines of Python, with support
    • A small hands-on project, such as a simple quiz or calculator
    • Problem solving, and learning from mistakes along the way
  3. Day 3 of 4

    Developing with AI

    Use AI tools to make something of your own

    • Writing clear instructions for AI tools
    • Using AI to help you plan, write and build
    • Creating a small project of your own with AI's help
    • Checking and improving what AI produces
  4. Day 4 of 4

    Building a digital portfolio and interview coaching

    Get ready to show what you can do

    • Bringing your work together into a simple digital portfolio
    • Talking confidently about your skills and experience
    • Practise interviews with friendly feedback
    • Your next steps: meeting employers, training, apprenticeships, volunteering and jobs

Between sessions

There are optional practice tasks to try between sessions if you would like to. There is no pressure to do them.

After the course

You have employer encounters and we point you towards local training, apprenticeships, volunteering and employment support.

Human skills

Four human skills employers want that AI can never replace

AI tools can help with tasks. Employers still need people who can think things through, talk to others and work well in a team. On the course you practise these skills every day.

  1. Critical thinking

    Asking good questions, weighing up information and deciding what to trust. AI can give you an answer, but you still need to check it and decide what to do next.

    On the course: you check what AI tools produce and learn to spot when something is not right.

  2. Communication

    Explaining your ideas clearly, listening well and changing how you speak to suit different people.

    On the course: you talk through your work with your group and your mentor, and practise interviews.

  3. Teamwork

    Working with other people, sharing ideas and helping each other reach a goal.

    On the course: you learn in a small group and solve problems together.

  4. Adaptability

    Staying open to new ways of working and keeping going when things do not go to plan.

    On the course: you try new tools and learn from mistakes along the way, with support.

Who it is for

Adults of any age who are ready for their next step

  • You are 18 or over. There is no upper age limit.
  • You are out of work or between jobs.
  • You would like to get back into work or try something new.
  • You can come to sessions in York for four days, one a week.

Feeling nervous? That is completely normal.

Lots of people who join have not been in work or education for a while. The group is small and the team is friendly.

You do not need any experience with AI or coding. You do not need your own laptop. Nobody expects you to know anything before you start.

Dates and location

When and where

Dates

Running
January to March 2027
Session dates
To be confirmed. Register your interest and we will let you know.
How often
One day a week for four weeks
Times
9:30am to 4:30pm, including lunch
Places
Around 15

Location

York

All four days take place in person in York. We will share full venue details with you before the course starts.

Lunch, devices and materials are provided on every day.

Meet the team

The people you will meet

  • Dr Beth Lane, smiling

    Dr Beth Lane

    Founder

    Beth grew up in rural North Yorkshire and left school after her GCSEs because her school did not offer computer science. She went on to earn a PhD in medical AI. Her mission is to inspire people of all ages into skilled tech and digital jobs.

  • Nicki Robson, smiling

    Nicki Robson

    Programme Lead

    Nicki brings experience from job centres, recruitment and IT teaching. If you register your interest, Nicki is the person who will get in touch for a friendly chat.

AI for Careers is run by AI in Schools, which has worked with more than 2,500 young people, 1,000 teachers and 43 schools and multi-academy trusts.

FAQ

Questions people often ask

Who can join?

Adults aged 18 and over who are currently out of work and looking to take their next steps into employment. There is no upper age limit.

Do I need any experience?

No. You do not need any experience with AI, coding or computers. We start from the beginning.

I do not have a laptop. Can I still join?

Yes. We provide the devices and materials you need on each day.

How much does it cost?

The course is fully funded, so there is nothing for you to pay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is provided on each in-person day.

What if I am nervous or have not been in education for a while?

That is completely normal and you are very welcome. Lots of people feel the same way before they start.

The sessions are relaxed and friendly. We tailor support to you and your mentor is there to help. You can ask as many questions as you like.

Am I guaranteed a job?

No. We cannot promise a job and it would not be fair to say we could.

What we do offer is support to build your confidence and skills, a chance to meet employers and help to find your next step. That might be more training, an apprenticeship, volunteering or applying for jobs.

What happens after I register?

Nicki, our Programme Lead, will contact you for a friendly chat about whether the course is right for you. It is a good time to ask any questions.

Can you help with travel?

If you need help with travel, please talk to us. We will help wherever we can.

Can you support access needs?

Yes, please let us know what would help. You can mention it when Nicki gets in touch or book a chat. We will make adjustments wherever we can.

Got a different question? Book a chat and ask us.

For referrers and families

Supporting someone who is looking for work?

If you are a family member, support worker, careers adviser or Jobcentre work coach, AI for Careers could be a good next step for the person you support.

The course suits people who would benefit from a confidence boost as much as new skills. It is small, in person and paced for people who have been out of work or education for some time.

How to refer someone

  • Help them fill in the expression of interest form, or fill it in together.
  • Or book a chat with Beth or Nicki to talk it through first.
  • Please check the person is happy for you to share their details with us.

Quick facts

Who
Adults 18 and over who are out of work. No upper age limit.
Format
Four in-person days, one a week, 9:30am to 4:30pm, in York
When
January to March 2027
Cost
Fully funded
Included
Mentor, devices, lunch, certificate on completion and employer encounters
Places
Around 15

Register your interest

Interested? Let us know

The form asks for your name, age, email, phone number and whether you are currently out of work. Registering does not commit you to anything.

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Read how we use your details in our privacy notice.

Book a chat

Not sure yet? Book a chat with Beth or Nicki at a time that suits you. Ask anything about the course. There is no such thing as a silly question.

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