AI Leadership & Strategy Development

Develop the knowledge, confidence and strategy to lead AI adoption in FE and skills with this short course.

Course Overview

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how organisations operate, plan and deliver services.

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.

Why Ada?

We are a specialist FE college connecting education with the technology industry. We shape our AI curriculum with employers and industry experts, contextualising this programme specifically for the organisational leadership challenges in the Education sector.

Who is this 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 Education 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. This ensures that the learning doesn’t stay in the classroom, but becomes an immediate asset for the organisation.

The course is taught through a mix of in-person and remote learning and participants will learn from peers & experts collaborating with, and learning from, like-minded professionals committed to implementing AI the right way, with a people-first and ethical approach.

Find the full module breakdown and course specification further down the page

Sign Up Today

To sign up please fill out the interest form.

If you still have questions or would like to arrange a call, please fill out the form and select the option ‘I have more questions’.

The programme starts on the 8th February 2027, with locations in London and Manchester.

Check the ‘Course dates’ link below for specific dates.

Course dates

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Course Structure

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.

Download the complete unit breakdown here Course dates

FAQ’S

How long does the training take, and will all modules run in one academic year?

All three modules run within a 90-day period. Each module consists of 5 days of training, meaning an individual will undertake a total of 15 days of training if they choose to complete the full programme.

What is the delivery format for the 5 days?

Each module uses a hybrid delivery structure:

Days 1 & 2 (In-Person): Intensive, face-to-face collaborative workshops.
Day 3 (Remote): Interactive online learning and application session.
Days 4 & 5 (In-Person): Final face-to-face sessions.

Can I take the modules individually?

Yes. You can enroll in and receive funding for just a single module, and then decide later if or when you would like to complete the remaining two modules.

Is the programme accredited?

This is a suite of three funded, unaccredited short courses. While learners will not gain formal accreditation for completing the programme, the learning units are equivalent in standard to a Level 5 apprenticeship unit.

How many places are available per cohort?

We aim for a cohort size of 25 participants, with a strict upper limit of 35 places available. We highly encourage booking early to secure your spot.

What are the training dates for the upcoming cohorts?

We have 2 cohorts planned for the 2026 – 2027 academic year, tailored for different sectors. You can view the complete schedule for each here

Two iconic locations

Ada London Campus

An 8 minutes’ walk from Victoria Station and just a few stops away from other major stations, including King’s Cross St Pancras and Euston.

Find out more about Ada London

Ada Manchester Campus

A 15 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly, our Manchester campus is in the heart of the Ancoats area.