AI Literacy & Employability Short Courses (16-19)

Practical, curriculum-ready AI literacy short courses for aged 16 to 19 learners, helping providers develop confident students and employable young people ready for an AI-enabled economy.

AI is shaping every job, subject and sector. With the government commitment to train 7.5 million workers in AI skills by 2030, and the Lifelong Learning Entitlement launching in 2027, modular, short-course learning is essential. Of course, learners will need to know what AI tools and apps to access, and how to use them. But what is key to personal development, and essential to ensuring inclusivity, is:

Confidence – being able to explain and justify their use of AI to educators and employers
Judgement – knowing when AI is appropriate and when it isn’t
Critical thinking – questioning accuracy, bias and reliability
Ethical awareness – understanding integrity, data protection and risk

Our new short courses provide two practical and inclusive pathways into AI, supporting learners from education into employment, and supporting education providers to meet emerging policy, curriculum and employer expectations. They are curriculum aligned, modular and flexible, non-technical by design and immediately deployable online via our EQUAL learner management system (LMS).

Course Pathway 1: AI for Learning Journey

Building confident, independent learners

Learners develop the skills to use AI as a learning support (not a shortcut) strengthening study skills, academic integrity and independence. Key capabilities include:

Using AI tools to support study and research
Evaluating accuracy, relevance and reliability of AI-generated information
Understanding academic integrity, plagiarism and ethical use
Enhancing creativity and problem-solving while retaining personal voice
Developing a personal learning plan that uses AI responsibly

Outcome: Learners who are confident and self-directed, ready for progression

Course Pathway 2: AI Skills for Employment

Preparing learners for the modern workplace

Learners explore how AI is already used across the workplace, and how to work alongside it professionally, safely and ethically. Key capabilities include:

AI’s role in entry-level and frontline roles
Selecting appropriate AI tools for workplace tasks
Producing professional communications with AI support and improving outputs
Managing data, privacy, security and workplace risk
Articulating responsible AI use to employers with integrity

Outcome: Work-ready learners who can explain, apply and justify their use of AI.

Key Benefits

Delivery is via our award-winning EQUAL learner management platform
Ready-made AI literacy aligned to emerging education reform
Future-facing AI skills provision directly linked to work readiness
Confidence for staff and learners to engage with AI safely and in line with your AI policy
Inclusive access to AI skills for learners of all ages and backgrounds
Allowing safe practice of AI without fear of failure, encouraging reflection and self assessment

Our 16-19 AI Courses

Ready to deliver via our EQUAL platform, we have 5 available short online courses under each Course Pathway, see below the courses available:

AI for Your Learning Journey

AI Tools for College Success
Developing Information Skills with AI
Academic Integrity in the Age of AI
AI for Creativity and Problem-Solving
Becoming an Independent Learner with AI

AI Skills for Employment

AI in Today’s Workplace
Essential AI Tools for Work
Professional Communication with AI Support
Data, Privacy and Security at Work
Professional Development in an AI World

See our AI courses in action. Access Your Free 16-19 AI Course Demo

We’d like to invite you to experience one of our new Independent Living 16-19 short courses (normally only available via our EQUAL platform).

Academic Integrity in the Age of AI

Identify your college’s rules about AI use in assessments
Discuss the use of AI tools to ethically support your learning
Identify AI tools to generate ideas, and approach problems from different angles

Professional Communication with AI

How AI is changing careers and skills important for humans to contribute
Your personal approach to working alongside AI
Explain to potential employers how to use AI tools responsibly and professionally

Try the course today

To find out more about EQUAL and our 200+ short courses for 16–19-year-olds, get in touch with our team.

Fill out the form below and one of our expert team will be in touch.

South Hampshire College Group has enjoyed a positive and productive relationship with The Skills Network for a number of years. We particularly value their support in the successful rollout of our Core and More Programme, a 16-19 platform used to complement and enhance student learning and development beyond their core main programme of study.

Student feedback on the The Skills Network platform has been overwhelmingly positive, with learners particularly enjoying the engaging and interactive content. This highlights the effectiveness of The Skills Network’s resources in supporting learner development and enhancing their overall learning experience.

We consistently get outstanding customer service from The Skills Network, they actively listen to our feedback and adapt their services to meet our specific needs. This collaborative approach ensures our learners receive the best possible support in developing essential skills and achieving their full potential.

Pete Joddrrell
Deputy Principal Curriculum and Quality, South Hampshire College Group

Walsall College has been a proud strategic partner of The Skills Network for many years. Together, we’ve worked to support learners within our community – helping them upskill and reskill, address the skills gap, and level up our community.

Our partnership is built on trust and collaboration. The Skills Network’s consultative approach, exceptional customer service, and deep sector insight have been invaluable in shaping our adult learning offer. Their account management is driven by sector expertise and the ability to listen, adapt, and offer innovative solutions that meet the needs of the learners within our region.
We truly value this fantastic working relationship and look forward to continuing to make a difference together.

James Norris
Ass. Principal, WBL & Adult Learning, Walsall College

We have worked with The Skills Network for many years and have found their online platform easy to navigate. Learning materials are regularly updated in line with TQUK requirements, and with the use of their online platform, we have been able to facilitate aspirational learning outcomes.

Communication has been a particular strength throughout the course of our partnership, and we have found that all questions/ queries are responded to and actioned promptly, especially with the technical support team. We would highly recommend working with The Skills Network.

Daniella Keen
Digital Skills & Distance Learning Lead, Buckinghamshire County Council

The courses are engaging, flexible, and easy to integrate alongside classroom teaching. Our students responded positively and felt the content added real value to their understanding.

The positive impact on student engagement and the way the course reinforced taught content make it highly likely for wider rollout, especially in vocational areas where applied knowledge is key.

Neil Parker
Head of Section – Travel & Public Services, Sandwell College

Working with The Skills Network for over four years has been an exceptional experience. During this time, we have supported several thousand students in achieving their learning goals, with success rates consistently exceeding 85%. The Skills Network has delivered high-quality resources and outstanding service, enabling us to provide flexible, accessible education to a diverse range of learners. Their team is responsive, professional, and committed to excellence, which has helped us expand our reach and impact significantly. I would highly recommend The Skills Network to any organisation seeking a reliable and innovative learning partner.

Dan Coombes
Head of Online Learning, North Hertfordshire College

We have had a long-standing partnership with The Skills Network who have always been attentive and responsive to our needs. They offer bespoke advice and guidance and are transparent in their services. What you see is what you get! They share our vision for high quality education that is impactful, accessible and support the skills gaps in today’s labour market.

Jo Clayton
Apprenticeships & Work Based Learning Management, The College of West Anglia