CPD - Benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses

With AI reshaping industries around the world, it is important for both individuals and organisations to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to the growth of Artificial Intelligence. In recent years, AI has transformed from a futuristic vision and theoretical concept into a live and practical tool used and integrated across a variety of fields.

In this CPD article, we explore what Artificial Intelligence is, including the benefits of AI in professional development, and provide helpful insights into choosing the most effective AI Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to enhance career prospects and skillset.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Without getting too technical, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. The core of AI lies in its ability to rationalise and take actions that have the best chance of achieving a specific goal. AI is developing fast and its relevance in our daily lives has increased along with this. The use of AI ranges from automating routine tasks, generating text and images, and solving complex problems in various sectors such as healthcare, software development, finance, education, and business. AI signifies a fundamental change in our approaches to work and problem-solving.

Why is the Intersection of AI and CPD Important?

CPD has become increasingly important as a means for professionals to enhance their abilities and knowledge throughout their career. Engaging with CPD is the basis for individuals and organisations to improve skills and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in a particular industry. As AI technologies evolve and become integral across sectors, professionals must look to acquire and update AI knowledge as part of their ongoing CPD. One recent survey found that 50% of Companies Plan to Invest in On-The-Job and Internal Training Departments Related to AI Adoption (1).

When it comes to AI CPD courses, it is not necessarily just about understanding the technology. It involves learning how to apply AI in practical, industry-specific contexts. The growth and adoption of AI highlights that staying current with AI developments is not just an advantage - it is essential for successful professional development and sustainability in an increasingly AI-influenced world.

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) CPD Courses

Here are some of the benefits and ways that Artificial Intelligence (AI) CPD courses can help with navigating the challenges presented by this rapidly evolving field:

How AI CPD Courses Help Keep Pace with Technological Advancements

AI is developing fast - not just in terms of its technical capabilities, but also in its applications across industry. Understanding and leveraging AI can play a significant role in professional development and contribute positively to success moving forward. AI CPD courses enables individuals to keep on top of AI’s advancements. By integrating gained knowledge, individuals can adapt to the evolving technological trends and ensure they remain relevant and competitive in their respective field.

Why AI CPD Courses Offer Cross-Disciplinary Benefits

AI's impact is not simply confined to specific technological industries. Its applications extend to areas such as business analytics, customer experience enhancement, and operational efficiencies. In marketing, AI can predict consumer behaviour and automate content personalisation. In healthcare, it assists in predictive diagnostics and patient care optimisation. Therefore, AI CPD learning contributes to a comprehensive skill set that transcends traditional industry boundaries. This offers value for professionals seeking a competitive edge and looking to progress, or potentially even change, their career.

How to Leverage the Power of AI Through CPD Courses

Artificial Intelligence is not just a technology, but a skill in its own right. Learning how to properly utilise AI can give professionals capabilities beyond their established skillsets and reach into multiple fields.

An example is the skill of AI-driven data analysis. This competency is not confined to a single remit or industry. In marketing, it enables a deeper understanding of customer behaviour through data-driven insights and facilitates the identification of emerging trends and patterns. In finance, it revolutionises the approach to managing and interpreting financial records.

By utilising AI, individuals will be able to leverage the technology to augment their existing skills. It allows them to advance beyond their specialisms without necessarily having to undertake lengthy or demanding training. AI CPD learning enhances established expertise through the efficiency and scalability that AI offers. This facilitates professionals across industry to not only keep pace with the digital transformation - but become innovators in leveraging AI for innovative solutions and strategies.

How AI CPD Courses Open Up Career Advancement Opportunities

The acquisition of AI skills and knowledge can enhance future career prospects. As industries integrate AI into their operations, the demand for professionals skilled in AI is growing. There seems to be a noticeable trend of organisations expressing that the supply of AI-skilled professionals is struggling to keep up with the increasing demand (2).

The recruitment of an AI-skilled workforce will become increasingly important for organisations across industry. Therefore, professionals with AI competence are likely to find enhanced career opportunities and progression going forward. It will also be vital for organisations to actively promote AI CPD internally. This will prove attractive to potential employees but also aid employee retention.

What Are the Disadvantages in Learning AI?

Despite the many benefits, learning AI comes with disadvantages and potential challenges. The field is quickly evolving and staying updated requires a fundamental commitment to lifelong learning. With so many emerging applications, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Getting started with AI learning and identifying how to best apply this professionally is an important step. 

This is why CPD can play such a valuable role and can serve as a valuable tool. A commitment to CPD builds confidence and adaptability, and promotes a culture of further learning. These are the foundations needed to actively learn and understand applying AI technologies in a practical manner across professional fields.

How to Choose the Right AI CPD Course

There are several factors to consider when selecting AI CPD Courses and learning. In order to get the most value and benefits, it is important to consider some of the following:

• What is the focus of the AI CPD course?
• Is it relevant to your industry or field?
• What is the level of difficulty?
• Has the AI CPD course been accredited?
• Does the course offer practical application?

When choosing any AI CPD course and further education, it’s important to establish the potential practical benefits. Successfully leveraging AI involves recognising the practical application and how it will measurably improve skills and expand capabilities in a specific professional field.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is becoming a part of both our professional and personal lives, and this integration is likely to continue at a rapid pace. This ongoing evolution may continue to shift how technology influences our world and the needs of industry and professions. Integrating AI courses into your CPD plan is a great way to ensure that you remain competitive, improve career opportunities and expand professional capabilities.

Where to find Artificial Intelligence (AI) CPD Courses

If you would like to undertake AI CPD courses, please visit the CPD Courses Catalogue. Here you will find thousands of accredited courses and events from across all industries and learning types, which would be beneficial for improving AI knowledge and skills. All the certified training has been reviewed and recognised as meeting the required industry standards and benchmarks. To find out more about a particular CPD course listed on our website, you can complete an enquiry form and the details will be sent directly to the relevant CPD provider.

How to become an accredited CPD provider

We hope this article was helpful. Established in 1996, The CPD Certification Service has over 27 years’ experience providing CPD accreditation. With members in over 100 countries, our CPD providers benefit from the ability to promote themselves as part of an international community where quality is both recognised and assured.

If you are interested in offering training courses, seminars, workshops, eLearning, or educational events suitable for Continuing Professional Development, please visit the Become a CPD Provider page or contact our team to discuss in more detail. Alternatively, if you are looking for a free online CPD record tool to help manage, track and log your ongoing learning, as well as store your professional training records and attendance certificates in one simple place, go to the myCPD Portal page.

REFERENCES

(1)https://www.hostinger.co.uk/tutorials/ai-statistics

(2)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60992b39d3bf7f2888d18f84/DCMS_and_Ipsos_MORI_Understanding_the_AI_Labour_Market_2020_Full_Report.pdf