AI is reshaping how organisations operate, plan and deliver services. we can help you prepare.

This programme has been designed specifically for leaders in the further education and skills sector who want to understand the opportunities presented by AI and develop a clear, practical approach to implementation.

Developed and delivered by Ada, the National College for Digital Skills, with support from the Education Training Foundation (ETF), the programme combines expert insight with sector-specific application to help leaders make informed decisions about AI adoption.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for senior leaders and decision-makers across the further education and skills sector who have responsibility for organisational strategy or leading change within a key area of their organisation.

It is particularly relevant to those who want to understand the opportunities presented by AI, make informed decisions about its responsible adoption and develop a clear, practical approach to implementation.

What will you gain?

Through the programme, participants will:

  • Identify the AI opportunities that matter most to their organisation
  • Make confident, informed decisions about responsible AI adoption
  • Develop a practical implementation roadmap and scale existing activity
  • Understand how to lead organisational change and workforce development in an AI-enabled environment
  • Build connections with peers from across the FE and skills sector

Programme format

The course will be taught over a 90 day period, via 3 consecutive modules. Each module is delivered through 30 hours of learning, spread over 5 full-day workshops.

Module 1: Evidence Based Strategy
Over the 5 days, you’ll cover: Strategic direction, Evidence-based opportunity mapping, Viability and pilots, Stakeholder buy-in, Horizon scanning and Risk appetite alignment.


Module 2: Selection and Adoption
Over the 5 days, you’ll cover: Vendor evaluation, Procurement, Governance frameworks, Ethical and legal compliance, Human oversight mechanisms and Assurance and auditability.


Module 3: Implementation and Change
Over the 5 days, you’ll cover: Change leadership, Workforce impact, Reskilling and redesign, Risk monitoring, Incident response planning and Performance and bias tracking.

The programme combines face-to-face workshops, online learning and practical activities, enabling participants to apply learning directly within their organisation and allow time and focus for deep learning and progress.

Find out more and download the complete unit breakdown

Location

Dedicated FE and skills sector cohorts will be delivered at Ada's campuses in:

  • London – Ada London Campus, 1 Sutherland Street, SW1V 4LD
  • Manchester – Ada Manchester Campus, 16 Blossom Street, M4 5AW

Module dates

Module 1: Evidence Based Strategy
8-9 February, 15 February (online) and 1-2 March 2027

Module 2: Selection and Adoption
5-6 April, 12 April (online) and 26-27 April 2027

Module 3: Implementation and Change
10-11 April, 12 May (online), and 26-27 May

Fully Apprenticeship Levy funded

There are no course fees for participating organisations. The programme is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, with organisations investing only the time needed to participate and apply their learning.

Why Ada?

As a UK’s only specialist FE college focused on digital and technology education, Ada combines sector knowledge with industry expertise with a decade of training experience. Their collaboration with leading employers ensures the programme is practical, relevant and tailored to the strategic challenges facing FE and skills leaders.

Register your interest today and take a positive step towards understanding the opportunities presented by AI. Places are available through dedicated FE and skills sector cohorts.