AI Wales Programme

AI Champions

Learn how to develop your own internal AI advocates who then drive adoption across your organisation. This course combines practical AI skills with change management and influence techniques. Course graduates can join the AI Wales Champions Network for ongoing support, monthly meetups, and direct access to AI Wales advisors.

Duration
8 weeks + 12 months
Format
1-day kickoff + online
Cohort size
12-20 participants
Status
Now enrolling

Programme structure

Eight modules delivered over eight weeks, combining live sessions with practical application. Each module builds toward your capstone project.

1

AI Foundations for Advocates

How AI and ML actually work, the current AI landscape, and what separates hype from reality. Enough technical grounding to be credible without requiring coding skills.

How AI/ML models workCurrent AI landscapeWelsh and UK AI ecosystemAI regulation basics
2

Identifying AI Opportunities

Learn to spot automation and augmentation opportunities in your department. Process mapping techniques to assess AI readiness.

Opportunity spotting frameworkProcess mapping for AIQuick wins vs strategic betsDepartmental AI audit
3

Building the Business Case

Create compelling business cases that win budget approval. ROI frameworks, risk assessment, and how to pitch to leadership.

ROI frameworks for AIRisk assessmentCost-benefit analysisPitching to leadership
4

Change Management and Influence

Overcome resistance and fear of AI. Communication strategies that build buy-in without overpromising.

Overcoming AI resistanceStakeholder mappingBuilding internal coalitionsManaging expectations
5

Responsible AI and Governance

Ethics, bias, fairness, and compliance. How to create internal AI policies that protect your organisation.

AI ethics and biasUK GDPR and AI ActInternal AI policiesRisk frameworks
6

Running AI Pilots

Select, scope, and deliver successful AI pilot projects. Vendor evaluation and tool selection.

Scoping pilot projectsVendor evaluationTool selection criteriaSuccess metrics
7

Building Internal AI Community

Create and sustain AI interest groups. Knowledge sharing, training others, and maintaining momentum.

Creating AI interest groupsKnowledge sharing methodsTraining colleaguesSustaining momentum
8

Capstone and Certification

Present your AI opportunity to peers and AI Wales advisors. Receive feedback, refine your approach, and earn your certification.

Capstone presentationPeer feedbackCertificationChampions Network onboarding

Champions Network

Graduation is just the beginning. Champions Network membership gives you 12 months of ongoing support to drive AI adoption in your organisation.

Monthly Champions Meetups

Virtual and in-person gatherings to share wins, challenges, and learn from other Champions across Wales.

AI Wales Advisor Access

Direct access to AI Wales advisors for guidance on your AI initiatives and challenges.

Private Community

Slack/Teams community exclusively for Champions to ask questions, share resources, and collaborate.

Quarterly Briefings

Updates on AI trends, new tools, regulatory changes, and opportunities relevant to Welsh organisations.

Resource Library

Templates, frameworks, and case studies to support your internal AI advocacy work.

Priority Event Access

First access to AI Wales events, workshops, and new programme pilots.

Is this right for you?

This programme is for you if:

  • You want to drive AI adoption in your organisation
  • You have influence within your team or department
  • You want to build business cases that win approval
  • You want ongoing support beyond a one-off course
  • You can commit 4-5 hours per week for 8 weeks

This programme is not for you if:

  • You want hands-on technical ML/AI engineering training
  • You are looking for executive-level strategic AI training
  • You need a quick one-day introduction to AI

Looking for something else? Check our training courses or the AI Pathfinder for senior leadership teams.

Frequently asked questions

Who should become an AI Champion?

AI Champions are typically mid-level managers, team leads, or motivated practitioners who want to drive AI adoption within their organisation. You do not need to be technical, but you should have influence within your team or department.

Do I need technical skills to join?

No. The programme focuses on practical application, business case development, and change management rather than technical implementation. We cover enough AI fundamentals to be credible without requiring coding or data science skills.

How much time commitment is required?

Expect 4-5 hours per week during the 8-week programme: a 2-hour live session plus independent work on your capstone project. The kickoff day is a full day in-person.

Can multiple people from one organisation join?

Yes, and we recommend it. Having 2-3 Champions from the same organisation creates mutual support and increases your collective impact. Contact us for team pricing.

What happens after the 8 weeks?

Graduates join the AI Wales Champions Network for 12 months of ongoing support including monthly meetups, advisor access, private community, and resources.

Is this programme CPD certified?

The programme is currently in development with CPD certification pending. Early cohort participants will receive certification once accreditation is confirmed.

What is the capstone project?

You will identify a real AI opportunity within your organisation, build a business case, and present it to your cohort and AI Wales advisors. This becomes your roadmap for post-programme implementation.

Register your interest

The AI Champions programme is now accepting expressions of interest for upcoming cohorts. Contact us to learn more or reserve your place.