In-company AI training: a buyer's guide for HR, L&D and management

Almost every organisation wants its people to use AI well and safely. Our research among 80 L&D experts shows that 69% of organisations want to invest in AI skills, but only 20% of employees follow structured training. That gap often starts with choosing the training. This guide helps you choose.

Why now: the EU AI Act

Since 2 February 2025, Article 4 of the EU AI Act applies. Organisations that use AI systems must ensure that staff working with them have sufficient AI literacy, taking into account their role, knowledge and the context in which AI is used. No specific certificate is prescribed, but you need to be able to show what you have done.

Step 1: decide what your team needs

Not everyone needs the same. Splitting into groups helps:

Tip: start with a baseline. Our free Team AI skill check shows in three minutes where your team stands.

Step 2: the checklist for good training

1. Practice over theory. Do participants work on their own tasks and processes, or on generic examples?
2. A teacher with field experience. Does the teacher use AI in the field they teach?
3. Spread over time. One day gives insight. Learning over a few weeks, with assignments in between, makes it stick.
4. Measurable results. Do you get insight into participation, progress and final assignments? You need that for the AI Act.
5. Fits your tools and policy. Does the training work with the tools you use, such as Microsoft Copilot?
6. Recognition. Is the provider registered (for example CRKBO) and does it hold a quality mark (for example NRTO)?
7. VAT and subsidy. A CRKBO-registered provider does not charge VAT. Dutch SMEs can apply for SLIM subsidy for training.
8. Room to grow. Can employees continue after the basics, up to a recognised qualification?

Step 3: questions to ask a provider

• What does a session look like, and how much time does it take per week?
• Can we use our own cases and data, and how do you handle confidentiality?
• How do you report on participation and results?
• Who are the teachers, and what do they do besides teaching?
• What does it cost per person, including or excluding VAT?
• Can you help with a SLIM application?

What does in-company AI training cost?

Prices vary widely. A one-day training usually costs a few hundred euros per person, often excluding VAT. A course of several weeks with guidance and a practical assignment costs more, and delivers more. Tailored programmes are priced per project.

At Amsterdam Data Academy, a team within one organisation takes a three-week course for €750 per person, VAT-free. For larger programmes we make a tailored proposal.

How Amsterdam Data Academy works in-company

• Three-week courses in AI literacy and ethics, working with AI (Copilot), prompt engineering, building AI agents and more. About 24 hours of study with an assessed final assignment on the participant's own work.
• Sector programmes for legal, marketing, HR, finance and healthcare, among others.
• Leadership: an AI Leadership Track for managers and executives.
• Teachers from practice, online or on location, in English or Dutch.
• CRKBO-registered with the NRTO quality mark. No VAT, and we help SME clients with a SLIM application.
• Room to grow up to the Applied AI & Data Science Diploma, classified at NLQF Level 6, comparable to bachelor level.
• More than 2,500 people trained.

Frequently asked questions

Is AI training mandatory? The EU AI Act requires organisations to ensure sufficient AI literacy among staff who work with AI. How you do that is up to you. Training is the most common route.

How much time does it take per employee? For AI literacy, a few hours to a few days. For daily users we recommend a three-week course, about eight hours per week.

Can we start small? Yes. Many organisations start with one team and expand when it works.

Want to know what fits your organisation? Book a free call about your team.