Forty Berkshire business leaders have taken a decisive step from uncertainty to opportunity after graduating from a 60‑hour, Level 3 Skills Bootcamp in AI for Business, delivered by The Growth Academy and funded through the government’s Skills Bootcamp programme.
Completed at the end of January, the programme reflects a growing demand among SMEs for practical, commercially focused AI training that goes beyond theory — equipping leaders and employees with tools they can use immediately to improve productivity, decision‑making and competitiveness.
Turning AI from hype into real business value
Designed by The AI Advantage Academy and delivered by AI educator Emma Shephard, the Skills Bootcamp was purpose‑built for business owners, senior leaders and employees navigating the fast‑moving world of artificial intelligence.
Rather than focusing on abstract concepts, the programme centred on real‑world application, helping participants to:
- Understand AI fundamentals in plain business language
- Use generative AI tools responsibly and effectively
- Automate routine and time‑consuming tasks
- Improve productivity and operational efficiency
- Identify genuine commercial opportunities for AI within SMEs
The result: confident leaders who are already embedding AI into day‑to‑day business operations.
It turned my fear of AI into confidence!
Feedback from learners highlights the transformative impact of the programme.
One graduate said:
Thanks so much for everything you have done to support me and my business in developing such invaluable skills that have already changed the way I run my business. It has been a really fantastic experience and I am so thankful for the opportunity.
Another described the Skills Bootcamp in AI as “a hugely valuable, well‑constructed and expertly delivered course”, while a third commented:
The AI Skills Bootcamp is the best thing I’ve done for me and my business in a long time. It turned my fear of AI into confidence and has helped me implement time‑saving and cost‑saving processes that anyone can achieve when they know how.
The Growth Academy team has established a high‑impact training model aligned with national productivity priorities and regional economic growth and has a proven track-record of delivery and measureable outcomes, particularly across Berkshire.
Steve Bulley, Head of The Growth Academy, said the success of the programme demonstrates both demand and delivery quality:
We have now supported 83 business people to gain comprehensive AI skills and are incredibly proud of what has been achieved. Skills Bootcamps require 60 hours of structured learning leading to a Level 3 certificate, and everyone has passed to date. This is about raising capability, confidence and competitiveness across our business community.
The Growth Academy is now accepting expressions of interest for 2026/27, with places expected to be limited.
Skills Bootcamps in AI for Business are available, subject to funding, to self‑employed individuals, and employees, with an employer contribution.
Register interest
Businesses and individuals interested in future cohorts can register their interest at:
👉 [email protected]
Or contact
Steve Bulley
Head of Business Support Services and The Growth Academy
📞 07714 660577
📧 [email protected]
