On 16th April, the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) Fashion Hub in Leicester hosted a special guest workshop in partnership with Get Ready for Work, aimed at supporting women into employment through an introduction to Artificial Intelligence.
The session brought together learners from diverse backgrounds for a practical and engaging experience designed to build confidence and understanding of AI. With a strong focus on real-world application, the workshop explored how AI can be used safely and effectively in everyday life – from supporting children’s learning to enhancing workplace skills and opening up new opportunities for women returning to the workforce.
Kaneez Fatima, who led the session, delivered an accessible and hands-on programme that encouraged participants to explore AI tools in a supportive environment. The workshop also addressed important topics such as AI safety and multilingual communication, ensuring inclusivity for all learners.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority rating the session as “Excellent.” Learners particularly valued the introduction to AI fundamentals, its practical uses in daily life, and insights into potential career opportunities.
The interactive nature of the workshop played a key role in its success. Hands-on activities not only increased engagement but also helped participants feel more confident in applying their new knowledge. Many reported a boost in motivation and expressed enthusiasm about using AI tools both personally and professionally.
A recurring theme in the feedback was a desire for more sessions and deeper practical training, highlighting a clear demand for continued learning in this area.
Divya Kamath, Operational Manager at the Fashion Technology Academy, emphasised the importance of such initiatives:
“At the Fashion Technology Academy, we are committed to equipping learners with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving digital world. As part of this vision, we collaborated with Grow Digital to deliver AI workshops designed to raise awareness and build confidence in understanding Artificial Intelligence.
These practical, hands-on sessions focus on using AI safely and effectively in everyday life — from supporting children’s learning to enhancing workplace productivity and digital skills. The programme also highlights pathways for women returning to the workforce, helping them explore new opportunities and adapt to modern industry demands.
Through this initiative, we aim to empower women to thrive both personally and professionally in today’s technology-driven landscape. We received great feedback from learners on this course, and we are grateful to Kaneez Fatima for her support in delivering it at FTA.”
The success of the workshop underscores the growing importance of digital literacy and AI awareness, particularly for women seeking to re-enter the workforce or adapt to changing industry needs. With strong demand for further training, programmes like this are set to play a vital role in bridging skills gaps and creating more inclusive opportunities in the digital economy.