ProfileTree, a digital marketing and training agency headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has launched a free artificial intelligence training course for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across Ireland and the United Kingdom. 

Ciaran Connolly, founder of ProfileTree and director of Future Business Academy, said, “By removing the cost barrier, we’re giving every business the opportunity to develop essential AI skills. The skills gap affects everyone.”

The course, offered through the Future Business Academy platform, would typically be valued at over £2,000. Connolly emphasised, “There’s a growing divide between businesses that understand how to use AI effectively and those that don’t. Most SMEs want to adopt AI but can’t justify expensive training programmes when they’re still uncertain about the return on investment.”

Designed for non-technical business owners and teams, the masterclass covers practical AI applications including drafting and editing communications, marketing content creation, customer data analysis, document summarisation, and automation of routine tasks. 

Connolly added, “They don’t need to understand how large language models work at a technical level. They need to know how to use ChatGPT to save time on customer emails, how to create content more efficiently, how to analyse their business data, and how to do all of this without putting their business at risk.”

The programme also includes modules on AI safety, governance, and risk management, helping participants protect sensitive business and customer data. Connolly explained, “Our course walks participants through developing actual AI policies for their organisations, assessing their specific risk profiles, and implementing concrete safeguards.”

Accessible online, the course allows SMEs in Belfast, Dublin, Cork, London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and across Ireland and Great Britain to participate. 

Read the full story on ProfileTree’s free AI course and how it’s equipping SMEs across Ireland and the UK with practical AI skills.

Photo credits to ProfileTree’s official website