Programme Overview
A one-day foundational programme designed for any professional who needs a practical, up-to-date understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and the confidence to use it in their daily work. The programme covers what AI actually means in practice in 2026, what generative and agentic systems can and cannot do, and how to apply AI tools productively across common professional tasks such as research, writing, analysis and communication. By the end, participants will have a clear picture of what AI can do, practical fluency with the leading tools, and a framework for using it responsibly within their organisation.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- Explain what AI is, how generative and agentic systems work at a conceptual level, and what they are genuinely capable of.
- Use the leading AI tools in everyday professional work, including writing, research summarisation, analysis and communication.
- Apply prompt-engineering techniques that produce useful, accurate and context-appropriate output.
- Recognise the limits of AI output, including hallucination, bias and factual error.
- Apply responsible-use principles consistent with SDAIA’s AI Ethics Principles and the organisation’s data-protection obligations.
- Identify where AI adds the most value within their own role and workflow.
Programme Content & Modules
What AI is — and is not — in 2026. The shift from predictive to generative to agentic systems. Where the technology is reliable, where it remains experimental, and how to cut through the marketing hype to the reality. A guided tour of today’s AI ecosystem, including the leading models, assistants and specialist tools.
Hands-on sessions with the most widely used AI assistants. Prompt-engineering fundamentals, including setting context, framing a role, iterative refinement and verifying output. Practical patterns for everyday tasks such as writing, summarising, research, drafting and analysis.
Use cases across common professional roles. Participants practise applying AI to a series of realistic tasks drawn from their own working environment, with facilitator guidance on craft, judgement and quality control.
Confidentiality, data-sensitivity and intellectual-property considerations when using public AI tools. Applying SDAIA’s AI Ethics Principles at the individual level. The essentials of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) for anyone handling personal data through AI. Organisational policies and everyday practices for responsible AI use at work.
Suggested Duration
One training day.
Target Audience & Prerequisites
Target audience: Knowledge workers, professionals and specialists in any function or sector — including government, banking, energy, healthcare, construction, education and services. The programme suits anyone whose work involves reading, writing, analysis, communication or decision support.
Prerequisites: No prior knowledge of AI is required. Basic computer and email literacy. A laptop is required for the hands-on sessions.
