South Thames College launches new AI skills courses

South Thames College in Wandsworth is introducing two short artificial intelligence courses for employers, staff, and jobseekers: a one-day programme priced at GBP £399 and a separate employability course offered free to eligible London residents.

The one-day course is aimed at workplace decision-makers and employees who want a basic understanding of how AI works and how it may affect working practices. It runs at the college's Wandsworth campus, has no entry requirements, and awards an Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence to those who pass.

Scott Sherriff, Head of School, Employability at South Thames College, said some organisations are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of change in AI tools and concepts.

"The pace of change and development in AI is so fast and employers can feel left behind and unsure about its potential and how they can harness the benefits of AI to support their organisation," Sherriff said.

The programme is aimed at people considering introducing AI into business processes. Sherriff said it is relevant to staff in science, engineering, knowledge engineering, finance, and IT services, as well as those with a general interest in the subject.

It also targets managers, particularly middle and senior leaders building teams and exploring how AI could change internal processes, applications, and services. The syllabus includes risk alongside practical considerations for adopting AI in the workplace.

Course content

The one-day course covers AI terminology and general principles, introduces machine learning, and compares different types of AI. It also addresses challenges associated with AI projects and considers how work may change as AI use expands.

Sherriff said the teaching will connect the topics to participants' day-to-day roles and organisational needs.

"We want participants who complete the programme to be more knowledgeable and confident about AI and to be better informed about the ways it can help them in their specific job and their organisation," Sherriff said.

The course is also positioned as a pathway into further training, including a Level 3 Certificate in AI Programming with Python and a Level 3/4 Foundation Certificate in Artificial Intelligence.

Employability route

Alongside the one-day programme, the college is running a five-day employability course that blends AI skills with cyber security content. It is free for London residents who are out of work or earning below GBP £27,007.50 per year. Successful participants receive an Essentials Certificate in AI and work towards a Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Cyber Security.

The programme also includes a mental health qualification, with participants working towards a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace. This section covers tools that support mental wellbeing and resilience at work.

Careers guidance is included, with advice on routes into AI-related roles. The course is aimed at candidates seeking jobs involving the planning or development of AI systems and platforms, as well as those wanting broader confidence using AI tools in different workplace settings.

Sherriff described the employability course as an entry point for people moving into AI-focused work or strengthening their CV for roles where AI knowledge is increasingly expected.

"This employability programme gives people a foundation on which to begin building a career in Artificial Intelligence," Sherriff said.

He added that the training is designed to support interview readiness as AI use spreads across job types.

"The likelihood is that the use of AI will only increase over time in most workplaces and the pace of change is so fast that people can feel left behind. We want participants who complete our programme to be in a strong position and to be able to talk with confidence at future job interviews about how they would use AI in the role they are applying for," Sherriff said.