AI and Data Foundations
This training program is designed for manufacturing companies seeking to build internal AI capability and accelerate performance through practical, hands-on training. This program focuses on the applied side of AI, understanding data, building repeatable solutions, and deploying AI tools to teams. It is less focused on theory and more focused on real-world business impact.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
In this 6-week program, you will focus on developing essential AI skills including data literacy, prompt engineering, building repeatable AI workflows, and deploying custom models to your organization. Participants will be engaged in practical and experiential learning opportunities that will build their skills in applying AI to real business problems from the inside out. While blending 2 hours of live virtual instruction with 2 hours of independent work each week, you will participate in hands-on sessions, receive community support, and gain experience with tools that make AI tangible and applicable in your daily work. Each session builds on the last as you define, explore, and begin solving a real-world problem using AI.
LEARNING PATHWAY
LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
- Attend and participate in 6 virtual classroom sessions delivered through Zoom.
- Complete all assigned independent work activities prior to meeting in the Virtual Classroom weekly.
- Complete an individual Workplace Performance Project (WPP), a proof of concept AI solution that demonstrates a repeatable result. This includes a live demonstration in Session 6.
- Participate in cohort discussions and Rose, Bud, Thorn reflections each week.
- Complete other program requirements on your own time. This program will require you to spend approximately 1–3 hours per week outside the virtual classroom; the amount of time will depend on the complexity of your Workplace Performance Project.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Demystify AI and build shared language across roles
- Develop data literacy and understand why AI struggles with real-world data
- Build practical prompt engineering skills using three proven strategies
- Create repeatable AI workflows using folders and fine-tuned models
- Transition from single-player AI to multiplayer team deployment
- Design and deliver a Workplace Performance Project using AI
- Increase confidence in evaluating and applying AI tools to business problems
WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE PROJECT (WPP)
- AI Components: Knowledge Instructions, Tools
- Data Literacy & Understanding
- Data, Information & Reports
- Data Readiness & Data Reflection
- Prompting
- Multi-Player Mode
- Repeatable AI Workflows
- Deploying Custom Models
DURATION: 6 weeks
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: Virtually facilitated learning and completion of an AI workplace performance project
SCHEDULE:
REGISTER – April 14th – May 19th, 2026 – Fully Funded – Nova Scotia ONLY – Please contact us to register
REGISTER – April 30th, 2026 – June 4th, 2026 – MEC AI & Data Foundations
Please contact Amy Edwards, EMC’s Training Manager, via email learningcentre@emccanada.org or by calling 1-866-323-4362 for more information