Microsoft TechSpark AI Readiness Program
AI for Professionals is a 4-week online training program built for working professionals without a technical background. Eligible residents of Lunenburg, Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Halifax and Charlotte counties, Virginia can complete the program, earn badges and a certificate and start putting AI to work right away, with no out-of-pocket cost.
- 100% online
- Self-paced curriculum
- Certificate and badges on completion
- No technical background or experience required
Training That Ends With Something You Can Show
You finish with certificates and badges, a portfolio of real projects and the confidence to use AI in your day-to-day work.
Built for Non-Technical Learners
No coding and no prior AI experience needed. You will need a computer and reliable internet access. If you are comfortable with email and a web browser, you are ready to start.
Learn by Doing
Every week you apply what you learn to a real task from your own work, so you graduate with proof of skill you can put to work right away.
Fits Around Your Schedule
Coursework is self-paced and fully online. Live sessions and weekly check-ins keep you moving without taking over your calendar.
Real People in Your Corner
You are never learning alone. The gener8tor Skills team and industry experts are there each week to answer questions and keep you on track.
Credentials Employers Recognize
Graduate with gener8tor certificates and badges plus a portfolio of finished AI projects to share with employers, clients or your own team.
Backed by gener8tor
gener8tor is a nationally ranked accelerator that has supported founders, workers and leaders across the country. Skills brings that same hands-on approach to AI training.
From Registration to Your First Week in 4 Steps
Registering takes a few minutes and there is no fee. Our team handles the eligibility check, so all you have to do is register and show up.
Register for AI for Professionals-
Review the Program
AI for Professionals is a 4-week, choose-your-path program. You pick 4 of 6 skill badges, complete 1 badge sprint each week and finish with a certificate and 4 real projects.
-
Register in a Few Minutes
Complete a short registration form. There is no application fee and no commitment beyond your time.
-
We Confirm Your Eligibility
A member of our team will reach out to confirm you meet the requirements set by the partners who fund the program for residents of Southern Virginia.
-
Start Learning
When the March 2027 cohort begins, get access to your self-paced curriculum, meet your cohort and complete your first badge sprint in week 1.
Your Program: AI for Professionals
A 4-week online program, fully hands-on and provided at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible residents of Lunenburg, Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Halifax and Charlotte counties, Virginia. The next cohort begins March 2027.
For working professionals · Next cohort March 2027
AI for Professionals
Choose 4 of 6 skill badges, complete 4 real projects and earn your certificate in 4 weeks, on a schedule that fits around a full-time job.
- 4Weeks
- 4-5Hours per week
- 4 of 6Skill badges, your choice
What Is Included
- Self-paced curriculum covering applied AI fundamentals
- 1 badge sprint each week, applied to a real goal from your work
- A finished portfolio artifact and digital badge for every sprint
- Knowledge check to confirm each skill before you move on
- Weekly live Lunch and Learns with industry experts
- Full AI for Professionals certificate after your 4th badge
Pick Any 4 Badges
- AI Literate
- Prompt Engineering Practitioner
- AI Productivity Specialist
- AI Content Creator
- AI Multimedia Creator
- AI Business Builder
Best for you if: you are employed and want practical AI skills you can use in your role right away, with a lighter weekly commitment.
Register for AI for ProfessionalsPlaces in the March 2027 cohort are limited. Register now to reserve yours, and our team will reach out to confirm your eligibility.
Skills You Will Actually Use
The curriculum is built around the ways people already use AI at work, so what you practice on Monday is useful by Friday.
Understand
Know how AI works, where it goes wrong and how to use it responsibly.
- Generative AI fundamentals
- Prompt engineering
- Spotting and correcting AI errors
- Responsible use, bias and copyright
- Research and source verification
Create
Produce polished work faster, from a first draft to a finished asset.
- Content and marketing
- Brand voice and branding
- Presentations and briefs
- AI image and art tools
- AI voice and video tools
- Resumes and cover letters
Automate
Take repetitive work off your plate and build simple AI-powered workflows.
- Productivity and weekly planning
- Meeting summaries
- Custom GPTs and AI assistants
- Automation with Zapier and Make
- Data-driven decisions
- AI business and automation plans
AI for Professionals encourages you to choose the 4 badges most relevant to your role. Each badge covers a slice of the topics above.
What Graduates Say
"It frames the importance of exploring the tool and staying educated in the current trends and capabilities in AI. Awareness is the first step towards usage and advancement in using technology and I feel much more aware and prepared."
ChristiAI for Leaders graduate
"I have a better baseline understanding of AI, ethical uses, and steps for implementing in a business setting. I also have expanded ideas on ways it could be implemented in the workplace."
JeanineAI for Leaders graduate
Common Questions
Still have one we did not cover? Email us at skills@gener8tor.com and a member of the team will get back to you.
Is the program really provided at no cost?
Yes, for eligible participants. The program is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible residents of Lunenburg, Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Halifax and Charlotte counties, Virginia, made possible by private funding. There is no fee to register.
How do I know if I am eligible?
The program is open to eligible residents of Lunenburg, Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Halifax and Charlotte counties, Virginia. Register and our team will contact you to confirm eligibility based on the requirements set by our program partners. You do not need to figure this out before you register.
What do I need to join?
A computer and reliable internet access. The program does not provide subscriptions or paid AI tools, so you will create free personal accounts for the tools used in the hands-on activities.
Do I need a technical background?
No. The program is designed for non-technical people. If you are comfortable using email and a web browser, you have everything you need to get started.
How much time does it take each week?
AI for Professionals runs 4 weeks at roughly 4 to 5 hours per week. Coursework is self-paced, so you choose when to do it, and live Lunch and Learns are scheduled each week.
Is any part of the program in person?
No. The program is 100% online. Live sessions, coaching and events all happen remotely, so you can participate from home or work.
What do I earn when I finish?
Graduates earn a digital badge for each of their 4 completed skills plus the full AI for Professionals certificate, along with a portfolio of 4 real projects you can share with employers.
When does the program start?
The next AI for Professionals cohort begins March 2027. Register now to reserve your place, and our team will be in touch with cohort details once your eligibility is confirmed.
Ready to Learn AI at No Cost to You?
Registration takes a few minutes and there is no fee. Register for AI for Professionals, and our team will reach out to confirm your eligibility ahead of the March 2027 cohort.
Questions? Contact us at skills@gener8tor.com. Want to see what else we offer? Explore other gener8tor programs.
Provided at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible residents of Lunenburg, Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Halifax and Charlotte counties, Virginia, made possible by private funding.
Ask us anything.
Curious about eligibility, schedule, or what to expect? Send us a note and a member of our team will get back to you within one business day.