Grace is the L&D manager at a 150-person distribution company. On her desk are three proposals. One is a half-day ChatGPT workshop. One is a four-day accredited course. The third is a three-month programme that includes help with implementation. The prices differ by a factor of ten.

Which one is right? It depends on what the business needs. Here's how to compare corporate AI training options fairly.

I. Three types of AI training, and when each fits

One-off workshops last a few hours to a day. They suit raising awareness, briefing leaders or getting a sceptical team started. The limit: without follow-up, new habits rarely stick.

Structured upskilling runs over several days and is often accredited. It suits building consistent skills across a team. The limit: content can stay generic unless the trainer adapts it to your work.

Transformation programmes combine training with workflow design and implementation support over weeks or months. They suit companies that want AI tools in daily use, not just skilled individuals. The limit: they need more time and active involvement from managers.

None of these is "best". A workshop can be the right first step, and a good accredited course can be all a team needs.

II. Seven things to check

1. The business need

Start with what should change after the training. "Our sales team prepares proposals faster" is a goal you can measure. "Learn AI" isn't.

2. Relevance to each job

An HR team and a finance team use AI differently. Check whether the examples and exercises match your employees' roles.

3. Hands-on practice with real work

Ask how much of the time is spent practising. The best sessions use your own tasks, with sensitive details removed, so staff leave with something they can use the next morning.

4. Trainer experience

Look for trainers who have used AI in real business settings, not just ones who can demonstrate tools. Ask for a sample session or a short call.

5. Support after the course

Ask what happens after the last day. Is there follow-up coaching? Help applying what staff learned? Or does support end when the session does?

6. Outcomes you can measure

Ask how the provider measures results, such as tasks completed faster, tools built or usage after a month. Be wary of guaranteed productivity figures.

7. Format, cost and funding

Compare on-site, live virtual and blended formats. Get the full cost, including GST. Ask which parts, if any, qualify for funding. Our corporate training grants guide explains the main schemes.

III. Your provider comparison checklist

Ask every provider the same questions:

  • What will employees be able to do after the training?
  • How much of the time is hands-on?
  • Can exercises use our own workflows?
  • Who are the trainers, and what practical experience do they have?
  • Do you cover data protection and how to check AI outputs?
  • What support is available after the training?
  • How will results be measured?
  • What's the full cost including GST, and what is funded?

Score each answer from 1 to 3 and compare totals, not just prices.

Grace's decision came down to her goals. She chose a short workshop for senior managers first. Then she chose a longer, hands-on programme for the two teams with the most repetitive work.

IV. Choose for results, not hours

The right AI training is the one your employees still use three months later. If you're weighing training against outside implementation help, read AI training vs AI consulting.

To compare options for your teams, explore AI Workforce's 90-day AI transformation programmes, or use our programme finder to match a programme to your business goals.

Grace is an illustrative example based on a typical mid-sized company.