When 85.7% of associations feel unprepared to navigate AI's workplace impact, member questions about AI tools go unanswered while industry employers scramble to fill critical AI skills gaps. AI training programs solve these challenges by providing members with practical AI skills while generating new revenue streams and strengthening engagement. They also position your association as an industry leader in preparing professionals for AI-driven workplace changes.
AI training programs teach professionals how to effectively use AI tools, understand AI limitations, and apply AI solutions ethically in their workplace. These programs bridge the skills gaps that are vexing industry employers and engage members by providing the education they desperately need.
Associations that have been slow to respond to AI adoption in their industry are at a competitive disadvantage. Members and employers are looking for programs that teach these skills, even if it means going outside the industry.
Fear and uncertainty about job security are everywhere as AI automates tasks, especially those traditionally performed by entry-level employees. Many employees still:
🔹 Have difficulty identifying which AI tools to use.
🔹 Are unable to evaluate AI outputs or understand its limitations and biases.
🔹 Are confused about ethical AI use and their professional responsibilities concerning data and privacy.
Your association can provide the AI training they need.
As AI adoption accelerates, a company’s workforce skill gaps become more apparent and worrisome, especially if the competition is AI-adept.
Employers find it difficult to recruit qualified candidates with both industry expertise and AI literacy. They’d rather upskill their existing workforce than replace employees.
Senior management is concerned about compliance and risk management issues around AI implementation. The learning curve is painful as employees lose productivity by avoiding or misusing AI tools.
Your association can be the AI training solution for industry employers.
AI education programs equip professionals with foundational AI skills. As AI reshapes job roles, these programs are essential for member retention and organizational relevance.
With AI training programs in your online learning portfolio, you position your association as a solution to career challenges. Young professionals expect AI-focused content. With traditional entry-level tasks going away, they need to acquire AI skills to be hirable and promotable.
AI training programs increase membership value, engagement, and satisfaction. By offering AI microcredentials that award sharable digital badges, members spread the word about your programs on LinkedIn.
Encourage member participation by offering a few free basic one-hour (or less) AI education programs. Charge premium pricing for specialized AI education and microcredentials. Offer custom training opportunities to industry employers.
Discuss sponsorship opportunities with AI vendors and consulting firms. Find ways for them to contribute their expertise, time, and financial support by partnering with your team on program design and delivery.
Enhance your reputation and credibility with employers and hiring managers by helping them solve workforce problems.
AI training programs help you differentiate your learning portfolio from other professional development providers in your industry. Enhance the value of your learning subscriptions by including AI microcredentialing programs. Revitalize and modernize certification programs with the addition of AI competencies.
Many associations have launched AI training programs. Here are examples of structures and formats to adapt for your members.
1. AI essentials course
Design a four-week online AI course with live Q&A sessions that cover:
🔹 AI fundamentals and terminology
🔹 AI applications specific to the profession/industry
🔹 Ethical considerations and responsible AI use
🔹 Hands-on tool exploration and practical applications
Offer self-paced modules with optional cohort discussions. Provide access to a resource library with templates and case studies. Set up a peer mentoring program for ongoing support. Gather success stories from program alumni to use in marketing.
Award a microcredential and digital badge after the learner successfully completes a project-based evaluation using real workplace scenarios.
Healthcare associations like the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering offer programs ranging from six-session live online courses to multi-day intensive training.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers several free one-hour AI in Project Management programs for members and non-members.
The Maryland Association of CPAs dedicates a page to AI programs in the Learning section on its website.
2. AI readiness assessment and learning pathways
Promote a self-assessment that gauges a member’s current AI knowledge and comfort level. Along with the results, recommend AI training programs to fill in their knowledge and skills gaps. Show them where they stand on customized learning pathways based on their roles.
3. Enhanced credentialing programs
Award digital badges upon successful completion of microcredentialing programs for specific AI skills. Add AI competency requirements to existing certifications or consider offering a stand-alone certification, like PMI. They offer a Cognitive Project Management in AI (CPMAI) Certification, which is “designed to equip [learners] with the skills, tools, and strategies for AI success.”
4. Executive cohort program on AI strategy
Senior and executive professionals need to learn about strategic AI implementation, ROI measurement, and change management. Offer them an intensive weekend workshop or a three- to four-month cohort program that meets weekly.
Include a networking component that provides peer collaboration and case study sharing, as well as follow-up coaching sessions. Award an executive-level digital credential (and badge) to those who successfully complete the program.
Members want to connect with their peers—what better way than around a common challenge. Last year, ISPE launched a Community of Practice on Artificial Intelligence.
Other ideas for community-building initiatives centered on AI training include:
🔹 Regular webinar series addressing emerging AI trends and tools
🔹 Monthly virtual meetups featuring guest speakers and tool demos
🔹 Online discussion forums for troubleshooting and best practice sharing
🔹 Monthly office hours with AI consultants or experienced users
Mentorship matching between AI-experienced and novice members
Recruit AI subject matter experts in your membership and industry—consultants, software providers, and advanced practitioners from industry employers—to serve on an advisory group. This group provides advice and feedback on the design and marketing of AI training programs. Their input will ensure that learning objectives are tied to workplace application.
In addition, identify member champions who spread the word about your AI initiatives. Ask the advisory group and member champions to encourage member and employer participation in AI needs assessments. Pilot programs with engaged member segments and employers before a full-scale launch. Build flexibility into the curriculum so you can adapt it as AI tools evolve.
Help your members navigate and benefit from technological change rather than simply react to it. The associations leading their industries in AI education today will be the ones members turn to tomorrow.