Who is this programme for?

The course is for people who want practical AI and digital skills to support employment, a career change or self-employment. It is particularly relevant to people looking for work, returning to employment or wanting greater confidence in digitally enabled workplaces.

Do I need previous AI experience?

No advanced AI or technical experience is required. The learning begins with the foundations and develops progressively each week. You will be supported to practise the tools and build confidence through practical tasks.

Is this a coding course?

No. The course focuses on using commonly available AI and digital productivity tools to complete practical tasks. It does not require programming or coding knowledge.

How much time will I need each week?

You should allow approximately 10 hours per week for five weeks. This includes one 90-minute online workshop, online learning activities, guided practice, independent application and work on your portfolio.

Do I have to attend the live workshops?

You should plan to attend one live online workshop each week so you can take part in demonstrations, exercises, discussion and guided problem-solving. Sessions will also be recorded and made available through the academyEX learning platform for review

What equipment do I need?

You need a reliable internet connection and a device that allows you to access online sessions, learning materials and assessment activities. A laptop is strongly recommended. All required tools will have free versions available.

What tools will I use?

You will use a selection of commonly available generative AI, document creation, productivity and collaboration tools. The course is not built around one particular product. The emphasis is on developing transferable skills you can use across different platforms.

Will I learn how to use AI safely?

Yes. Privacy, accuracy, responsible use and ethical decision-making are included throughout the programme. You will learn to check and refine AI outputs rather than assuming that everything an AI tool produces is correct.

How will I be assessed?

You will submit the output of a key task each week, with all five tasks culminating in your portfolio demonstrating practical digital artefacts, reflections on each artefact and a final reflection connecting your learning to future work or self-employment. Assessment is competency-based. This means your portfolio will be assessed against clear requirements to determine whether you have demonstrated the required skills.

What support is available?

You will have access to facilitator guidance, assessment information, Q&A opportunities and technical support. Individual support can also be provided where you need help understanding the learning platform, course activities or assessment requirements.

What will I receive when I complete the course?

When you successfully complete the assessment, you will be awarded the AI Skills for the Future micro-credential, an NZQA-approved Level 4 micro-credential worth 5 credits.

Can this course help me get a job?

The course cannot guarantee employment. It is designed to build practical skills that are relevant across many workplaces and to help you produce evidence of what you can do. You may also use parts of your portfolio to support job applications, interviews, professional profiles or conversations with potential clients.

Can I use the course to support self-employment?

Yes. Activities and portfolio work can be connected to freelance services, personal branding, client communication, planning, content creation or other realistic income-generating opportunities.

MICRO-CREDENTIAL

AI Skills for the Future

Build practical AI skills. Show what you can do.

AI is becoming part of everyday work. This practical five-week course is designed for people looking to enter, re-enter or transition within the workforce, including those exploring self-employment or other income-generating opportunities.

The course focuses on the basics of using AI and everyday digital tools to complete practical tasks, solve workplace problems and create clear, professional outputs.

Cohort applications are now full.

Start Date

7 September 2026

Course duration

Complete in 5 weeks

Time commitment

approx. 10 hrs per week, including 1 x 90min live online session

Flexible study

Fully online, with recorded sessions

Accredited

NZQA Level 4 micro-credential (5 Credits)

Learn AI by using it

This is not a course where you simply listen to someone talk about technology. You will use AI and digital tools to complete real tasks, test ideas, solve problems and create useful outputs.

Each week includes a hands-on online workshop, short and accessible learning materials, guided activities and time to practise independently. You will receive clear instructions and examples as you develop your confidence step by step.

Learning outcomes

Practical skills for your next opportunity

Use AI to get things done

Learn how to give AI clear instructions, improve your prompts and use AI-generated content to support practical tasks.

Solve problems and create professional work

Select and use AI and digital productivity tools to organise information, solve everyday problems and produce work that is clear, useful and fit for purpose.

Work safely and responsibly

Learn how to check AI-generated information, protect privacy and consider whether an output is accurate, appropriate and ethical before using or sharing it.

Build evidence of your skills

Create a portfolio of digital work that demonstrates your communication, collaboration, problem-solving and digital capabilities.

This programme is for people who are:

Looking for work or considering a change of role
Returning to employment after time away
Exploring freelance, self-employment or other income-generating opportunities
Looking for a practical and accessible way to return to learning
No previous AI experience is required—the programme is designed for people preparing for their next work opportunity who want to build confidence using AI and digital tools.

PATHWAYS

Where these skills could take you

AI and digital capability are useful across many types of work. The skills developed through this course could support you to pursue opportunities in areas such as:

Work with greater
confidence

Develop practical experience using AI and digital tools to complete everyday tasks, solve problems and produce professional-quality work.

Adapt to changing workplaces

Build confidence exploring new technologies, evaluating digital outputs and applying AI responsibly as workplace expectations continue to evolve.

Create evidence of your capability

Complete the course with a portfolio of practical work that demonstrates your digital confidence, problem-solving, communication and responsible use of AI.

Continue learning

Use the micro-credential as a foundation for further study in digital technologies, business, administration, innovation, applied technology or other vocational pathways.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to apply

There are no formal academic qualifications required for entry.
To take part, you need to:

Be over 16 years old
Have sufficient reading, writing and numeracy skills to engage with the learning and complete the assessment
Have reliable access to the internet
Have access to a digital device—a laptop is strongly recommended, although a tablet may also be used
Be willing to take part in online learning and complete practical activities

You do not need advanced AI or technical experience before starting.
All software used during the programme will have a free version available. No additional equipment or course materials are required.

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

Step-by-step process to apply for this course:

Apply online

Choose a micro-credential that aligns with your goals and complete an application form. Make sure to submit all the required documentation so your application can be processed as quickly as possible.

Enrolment confirmed

Once your documents and application has been reviewed and approved by our team, you will be enrolled in your course and advised of next steps.

Welcome to the whānau!

You are ready to start your learning journey and join a group of like-minded, life-long learners.

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

Domestic Student Fees:

$450 (incl. GST). Eligible learners receive a code for zero tuition fees (code to be entered during the application process).

International Student Fees:

Not available. Get in touch to learn more.

Available course start dates and session times:

Registrations close 2 weeks before the start date.
Spots are limited - complete your application early to secure your place.

You will attend one 90-minute online workshop each week. Where two session options are available, the learning and activities will be the same in both sessions.