AI for the workplace

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and the trades are no exception. Rather than replacing skilled tradespeople, AI is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance their work. From streamlining complex tasks to offering innovative solutions, AI enables tradespeople to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently—saving time and money while improving safety and quality. So often, people think of AI as a tool only for the tech world, but it has applications far beyond coding and software development. Whether you are in a trade, a small business owner, or a tech professional, AI has something to offer everyone—if you know how to use it. By learning how to integrate AI into daily workflows, individuals across all industries can unlock new efficiencies and possibilities. We could apply this approach to every trade career, but we already do this comprehensively with our PromptScout app in our brand-new AI for the Workplace course . In this article we will highlight several career pathways including welding, construction, electrical work, plumbing, dental hygiene, and cosmetology to demonstrate how trade professionals are finding practical ways to incorporate AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, CoPilot, etc. into their daily routines. AI in Welding Applications and Benefits AI in welding is primarily used for quality assurance, process optimization, and safety monitoring. Welding involves precision, and even minor errors can lead to structural weaknesses. AI can analyze welding patterns, detect inconsistencies, and provide real-time feedback to improve quality. For example, AI-powered welding robots equipped with sensors can monitor heat levels, adjust welding speed, and ensure consistent weld seams. These robots don’t replace welders but assist them in achieving precise results, reducing the need for rework and material waste. Example: Using ChatGPT in Welding A welder could use ChatGPT to quickly look up troubleshooting steps for common welding defects like porosity or cracking. For instance, a welder encountering uneven weld beads might ask, “What are some reasons my weld beads are uneven, and how can I fix them?” ChatGPT could provide detailed guidance, helping the welder resolve the issue on the spot. AI in Construction Applications and Benefits Construction projects are complex, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. AI excels in managing logistics, analyzing structural designs, and predicting potential issues before they arise. AI-powered software can create detailed project schedules, optimize material usage, and forecast potential delays due to weather or supply chain disruptions. Drones equipped with AI can survey construction sites, providing accurate measurements and identifying safety hazards. Example: Using ChatGPT in Construction A construction manager might use ChatGPT to draft safety guidelines for a specific task or generate a materials list based on project specifications. For example, “What are the safety precautions for operating a crane near power lines?” ChatGPT can offer a concise checklist, ensuring compliance and worker safety. AI in Electrical Work Applications and Benefits Electricians benefit from AI tools that diagnose electrical issues, design circuits, and predict system failures. Smart home systems integrated with AI allow electricians to set up automated energy-saving configurations for clients, enhancing functionality and efficiency. AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyze electrical panels and pinpoint issues such as overloaded circuits or faulty wiring. These tools save time by eliminating guesswork, allowing electricians to focus on repairs. Example: Using ChatGPT in Electrical Work An electrician could use ChatGPT to find wiring diagrams or confirm code compliance for a specific installation. For instance, they might ask, “Help me diagnose a large voltage drop on an outside circuit.” ChatGPT’s response can serve as a quick reference, ensuring the job is done correctly. Additionally, an electrician could use AI tools to create a brochure or blog post to promote their qualifications, highlighting certifications, services offered, and customer testimonials to attract more clients. AI in Plumbing Applications and Benefits AI in plumbing aids in detecting leaks, mapping pipe systems, and preventing water waste. Smart sensors combined with AI can monitor water flow and alert plumbers to potential issues before they escalate. AI-enabled cameras can inspect pipes for blockages or corrosion, providing plumbers with real-time visuals and analytics. These tools improve accuracy and reduce the time needed to diagnose problems. Example: Using ChatGPT in Plumbing A plumber might use ChatGPT to draft an estimate or explain a repair process to a customer. For example, “How should I explain the steps for replacing a water heater to a homeowner?” ChatGPT can generate a clear explanation, helping the plumber communicate effectively and build trust with the client. Additionally, a plumber could use AI tools to create a spreadsheet showing the return on investment (ROI) for installing low-flow toilets and shower heads, illustrating potential water savings and long-term cost benefits for clients. AI in Dental Hygiene Applications and Benefits Dental hygienists can leverage AI for patient diagnostics, treatment planning, and education. AI-powered imaging tools analyze X-rays and dental scans to detect cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues more accurately and quickly than traditional methods. AI can also streamline administrative tasks like appointment scheduling, allowing dental hygienists to focus more on patient care. Example: Using ChatGPT in Dental Hygiene A dental hygienist might use ChatGPT to draft a patient-friendly explanation of a complex treatment plan. For instance, they could ask, “How can I explain the process of scaling and root planing to a nervous patient?” ChatGPT could generate a calming and clear explanation, making patients feel more at ease. AI in Cosmetology Applications and Benefits Cosmetologists can use AI to enhance customer consultations, create personalized beauty regimens, and manage salon operations. AI-driven apps analyze skin and hair conditions, recommending tailored treatments or products for clients. Additionally, AI can assist in designing hairstyles or makeup looks, using virtual try-on technology to help clients visualize results before committing to a service. Example: Using ChatGPT in Cosmetology A cosmetologist might use ChatGPT to write a social media post promoting a new service or product. For example, “Can you help me create a post about the benefits of keratin treatments?” ChatGPT could draft an engaging post, helping attract new clients and build their business. Additionally, a cosmetologist could use ChatGPT to create an outline and script for giving a workshop for seniors on best practices to maintain healthy hair. For instance, they might ask, “Help me draft a detailed outline and talking points for a workshop on senior hair care best practices.” ChatGPT can generate a professional and engaging plan to ensure the workshop is both informative and enjoyable. Additional Benefits of AI for Tradespeople Time-Saving: AI automates repetitive tasks like documentation, inventory management, and scheduling, allowing tradespeople to focus on hands-on work. Cost Efficiency: AI reduces waste and optimizes resource use, saving money on materials and energy. Safety: AI-powered sensors and monitoring tools enhance workplace safety by identifying hazards and ensuring compliance with regulations. Skill Enhancement: By providing instant access to information and best practices, AI empowers tradespeople to continuously improve their skills. Conclusion AI is a game-changer for the trades, offering tools and insights that help professionals work more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve outcomes. Whether it’s ensuring the precision of a weld, optimizing a construction schedule, diagnosing electrical issues, detecting plumbing leaks, enhancing dental hygiene, or improving cosmetology services, AI enhances the capabilities of skilled tradespeople without replacing their expertise. By integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into their daily workflows, tradespeople can solve problems faster, communicate more effectively, and deliver higher-quality results. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to support and empower the trades will only grow, making it an indispensable partner for professionals in the field. CTeLearning's AI for the Workplace curriculum with an industry-based microcredential enables CTE teachers to give their students a career-boosting industry credential in just five hours of class time. This curriculum empowers learners with skills to use AI as a tool, positioning them as the most hireable employees in their fields. Interested in learning more? Click here or call us at 913-764-4272 to schedule a free 20-minute demo of any of our courses and certifications. Citations American Welding Society. (2023). “AI in Welding: Enhancing Precision and Quality.” Retrieved from https://www.aws.org National Association of Home Builders. (2023). “AI Tools in Construction Management.” Retrieved from https://www.nahb.org International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. (2023). “How AI is Supporting Electricians.” Retrieved from https://www.ibew.org Plumbing Manufacturers International. (2023). “AI Applications in Modern Plumbing.” Retrieved from https://www.safeplumbing.org WebProfessionalsGlobal.org “Congratulating the First Students to Earn the New Certified AI for the Workplace Credential” Retrieved from https://webprofessionalsglobal.org/congratulating-the-first-students-to-earn-the-new-certified-ai-for-the-workplace-credential/ WebProfessionalsGlobal.org “Introducing the AI for the Workplace Certificate “ https://webprofessionalsglobal.org/introducing-the-ai-for-the-workplace-certificate/

Artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work. From healthcare to engineering, AI tools are transforming industries. Our recently released AI for the Workplace course prepares students for the world of AI, no matter where their future educational and professional paths will take them. But AI isn’t perfect. When things go wrong, the lessons can be just as valuable as the successes. Our course shows how while AI is an incredibly powerful tool, it cannot just be trusted blindly without verification. Here, we explore some high-profile AI failures and how they can guide educators in preparing learners for an AI-driven workplace. Misleading Outputs The Failure: In one instance, a generative AI system created false news headlines. These included fabricated stories about public figures, leading to confusion and reputational damage. For example, AI erroneously reported that a CEO had committed suicide, causing panic before the truth was clarified. Similarly, Google’s AI suggested bizarre solutions to common questions, such as adding glue to pizza sauce or eating rocks daily. These errors highlighted how AI can misinterpret data or provide nonsensical advice when not carefully monitored. Takeaway for Educators: Teach students to verify AI outputs. Emphasize the importance of critical thinking when using AI tools. Encourage learners to question results and double-check facts. Thought for Students: Always be the human in the loop. AI is powerful, but your judgment is irreplaceable. Bias in AI: Who’s Left Out? The Failure: Recruitment tools trained on biased data favored men over women or excluded older candidates. In healthcare, algorithms gave lower-risk scores to Black patients compared to white patients with similar needs. These issues arose from biased training data that reflected existing inequalities, reinforcing discrimination instead of eliminating it. For example, an AI system penalized resumes containing words like “women’s” or identifying all-women colleges, systematically disadvantaging female applicants. Takeaway for Educators: Highlight the importance of ethical AI use. Show students how biases in data can lead to unfair outcomes. Discuss how diversity in datasets can improve AI systems. Thought for Students: Question the fairness of AI. Ask who’s included, who’s excluded, and why. Legal Trouble: AI and Fabricated Information The Failure: Lawyers have used AI to cite nonexistent legal cases. One instance led to fines and professional embarrassment after a court discovered fabricated precedents. In one case, an attorney submitted a brief with six false citations provided by AI, complete with fake quotes and docket numbers. These errors arose because the lawyer relied entirely on AI without verifying the accuracy of its outputs. Takeaway for Educators: Stress the importance of validating AI-generated information. Create assignments where students cross-reference AI outputs with credible sources. Thought for Students: AI can assist, but it can also mislead. Your diligence makes all the difference. Automation Gone Awry: The Tesla Incidents The Failure: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving AI faced scrutiny after numerous crashes. Investigations revealed safety concerns tied to AI decision-making in critical moments. In some cases, the system misjudged obstacles, leading to collisions, while in others, it failed to recognize road hazards altogether. These incidents raised questions about the readiness of autonomous systems for widespread adoption and the ethical responsibility of companies deploying such technology. Takeaway for Educators: Use real-world examples to discuss AI’s limitations. Encourage students to think about the ethical implications of autonomous systems. Thought for Students: Ask yourself, “How can we make AI safer and more reliable?” Your innovations could save lives. Missteps in Customer Service The Failure: A chatbot advised a business owner to violate legal regulations. In another case, a virtual assistant provided inaccurate airline policy information, leading to financial disputes. For example, a passenger was misled into buying an expensive ticket under false promises of a refund, resulting in a legal battle. These failures underscore the risks of poorly designed AI systems in customer-facing roles. Takeaway for Educators: Teach students the value of user education. Highlight the risks of relying solely on AI for critical decisions. Thought for Students: An AI answer isn’t the final word. Learn to spot errors and seek clarification when needed. AI and False Promises The Failure: A company used AI-generated content in marketing, leading to celebrity likenesses being used without consent. For instance, Tom Hanks’ image was digitally recreated to promote a product he never endorsed. Similarly, AI-created promotional materials for events failed to deliver on their promises, leaving customers disappointed and businesses facing backlash. Takeaway for Educators: Discuss intellectual property and ethical marketing practices. Teach students how to use AI responsibly in creative projects. Thought for Students: AI can enhance creativity, but integrity matters. Make sure your work respects others’ rights. Drive-Thru Chaos: When AI Fumbles The Failure: An AI system implemented in McDonald’s drive-thrus led to widespread frustration. Customers reported repeated errors in orders, including accidental bulk purchases of items. One incident involved an AI misinterpreting a customer’s order and adding 260 chicken nuggets. These mistakes became viral moments on social media, damaging the brand’s reputation. Takeaway for Educators: Use this as a case study in user experience design. Teach students how to anticipate user needs and design for reliability. Thought for Students: Technology should make life easier, not harder. Think about how your designs impact real people. Ethical Red Flags in AI Training The Failure: Microsoft’s chatbot became offensive after being exposed to toxic online interactions. This highlighted the risks of using unfiltered data to train AI models. Within hours, the chatbot began spewing racist and offensive language, forcing Microsoft to shut it down. The failure demonstrated the importance of curating training data and monitoring AI behavior. Takeaway for Educators: Teach data ethics and the importance of curation in AI training. Discuss the consequences of neglecting proper oversight. Thought for Students: The quality of an AI system depends on its training data. Be mindful of what you feed your algorithms. Final Thoughts AI has the power to revolutionize the workplace, but only if used wisely. These failures serve as reminders that humans must guide AI development. For educators, these stories are opportunities to prepare students for thoughtful, ethical, and informed AI use. Remember: Mistakes aren’t the end—they’re a chance to learn. Equip your students to face AI challenges head-on and contribute to a better, smarter future. Our new course, AI for the Workplace , helps educators and learners navigate this evolving landscape. This program provides an industry-recognized certificate and equips students with practical skills to harness AI as a versatile tool across various career paths, trades, and technologies. The course bridges the gap between understanding AI concepts and applying them effectively in real-world scenarios. Want to learn more? Click here or call us at 913-764-4272 to schedule a free 20-minute demo of any of our courses and certifications.

CTeLearning is proud to introduce the AI for the Workplace Course and Certificate . The landscape of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and many individuals are struggling to keep up. AI is fundamentally transforming how we work. In the early days of computer science, proficiency in coding was essential to accomplish tasks. As technology advanced, applications emerged that allowed users to perform complex calculations without needing to write code, exemplified by tools like VisiCalc (the first commercially available spreadsheet). Today, we are witnessing a similar shift. Just a year or two ago, interacting with AI often required technical knowledge to program the system. Now, AI tools enable users to communicate in natural language, making them more accessible. However, to maximize the effectiveness of these tools, individuals must excel in communication. Understanding how to craft effective prompts and engage in “prompt engineering” is crucial for guiding AI to deliver desired outcomes. Ultimately, the quality of your communication will determine your success with these technologies. Created in partnership with Web Professionals Global , the industry association for all things web, this course and certification prepares students for the future. Certificate Overview This course and certificate program does not focus on coding the next AI system. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of communication skills to achieve optimal results. For example, an entrepreneur may use AI to conduct a SWOT analysis of their business. In agribusiness, professionals might employ AI to analyze new regulations. An automotive technician could use AI to generate a resume and cover letter tailored to their ideal job. Marketers might leverage AI to brainstorm and organize strategies for new clients. Teachers can utilize AI to develop grading rubrics for project-based learning activities. Landscape designers may consult AI for plant selections in challenging environments. Construction contractors might rely on AI to create promotional materials as they pursue new certifications. Web designers can use AI to refine messaging for specific target audiences, while animators and game designers can enhance their creative processes with AI-generated script concepts and character backstory. Success in the workplace has always required a combination of skills. Those with strong technical abilities are consistently in demand, but individuals who possess both technical and soft skills often ascend to leadership positions. The integration of AI into professional settings represents a new blend of these competencies, akin to coding but utilizing natural language to instruct AI on its tasks. As the demand for effective communication with AI tools continues to rise, the AI for the Workplace Course and Certificate stands at the forefront of this transformation. This credential is designed to empower professionals across various industries and job levels to harness the full potential of AI. It is grounded in the latest research and offers tailored learning paths. Participants will not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills in effective AI interaction. Upon completion, graduates will be well-equipped to leverage their new skills and certification in their chosen career paths. Our course includes a tool called PromptScout, which gives your students access to a database of 5,360 editable prompts across 63 different industries. They can find, edit, and use these prompts in their favorite AI tool to generate any solution they need, offering students a firsthand look at how AI can support them in any career pathway. This is a micro-credential course that can be completed in just over five hours of class time, making it an ideal enhancement to any career course or program of study. No prior experience with AI is needed for either the facilitator or the student. The self-directed learning is auto-graded and requires little to no prep time, and facilitator training is provided free of charge. AI should primarily be viewed as a tool. For most of us, the future lies in leveraging AI to enhance productivity, foster creativity, and drive innovation across all aspects of our careers. While there is a notable push to train AI programmers to develop the next generation of AI systems, 99% of the broader workplace / work world/ jobs needs individuals who can seamlessly integrate AI tools into their workflows, utilizing these powerful capabilities to accelerate their work. As employers seek to hire top talent, they are increasingly looking for individuals who can work quickly, efficiently, and accurately. Just as you would not trust a mechanic with your Tesla if their only tool was a sledgehammer, or allow a heart surgeon to operate on a loved one with only a saw, it is essential to equip yourself with the right skills and tools to thrive in today’s evolving workplace. The AI for the Workplace Certificate prepares learners to succeed in the modern world of AI, no matter what industry they are in. Learn More Reach out to us today to find out more about our brand new AI for the Workplace Course and Certificate by clicking here or calling us at 913-764-4272.

Here at CTeLearning we are always seeking new ways to help teachers ensure their students succeed, both in the classroom and the real world. It is also the way we show that we are not trying to replace them with software and AI tools. Today, we are excited to introduce a new AI tool called EMILIA that will help students improve their communication skills. Over the next few weeks, EMILIA will be rolled out in all of our courses including our most popular ones– Web Design , Web and Mobile Video Game Design , and Web and Computer Animation . Background As many of our teachers know, we have been integrating Virtual Internship/Work-Based Experiences into our courses for over 20 years. We have continued to hone these products and expand them. We have fun creating immersive experiences that reinforce the technical skills the students are learning and give them the chance to apply the soft skills they will need in their future careers. However, we always had a single frustration: no matter how hard we tried, we were never able to give the students (interns) the chance to have an authentic exchange with their “client.” That all changed recently, as we deployed EMILIA , an AI tool that allows your students to have a chat and ask questions of their client. Through the power of AI, students will be able to interact with their client by asking questions and receiving answers to better understand the client and project–just like the way it works in the real world. EMILIA Overview EMILIA is being rolled out in the Virtual Internship feature of our courses. The Virtual Internship, also referred to as the Practicum, allows students to get an idea of what it is like to work in the professional world by simulating the experience of working with a client as, for example, a new web designer. For example, students in the Web Design course are tasked with creating a website for a client. In order to build the best possible website for the client, students need to understand client needs, desires, interests and more. The tool allows students to ask questions and receive responses from the client through email, enabling an ongoing dialogue that helps the student better understand the client and improve the website they have been tasked with creating. Not only does EMILIA allow students to interact with the client in real time, but it also provides them with immediate feedback on their communication skills. When students email their client, they will receive a score out of 10 that assesses their written communication as well as offers pointers for improvement. Criteria for the grade include spelling, grammar, punctuation, overall professionalism and more. Teachers also receive reports for each student based on their communications. EMILIA is integrated into the project-based learning (PBL), which means that the students can engage with their simulated clients as part of the natural flow of the project and in context with their work–just like how it works in the real-world. By incorporating EMILIA we are giving the students enhanced opportunities to learn what it is like to “meet” a client, understand their goals and pain points, and create a better product for them. This equips students with the soft skills that are so essential in today’s economy and prepares them for their futures–whether they enter the workforce directly after high school or pursue higher education. Our teachers who have seen EMILIA in action expressed enthusiasm for how it can help improve the learning experience for students and free up time for teachers. We have to be more clever to engage today’s learner. Integrating EMILIA gives us the opportunity to offer an open, genuine conversation with the client that is curated and helps to keep students and their projects pointed in the right direction. Through the process, students build a portfolio and a personal story of real world success they can share with teachers, parents, friends and future employers. We are incorporating more AI tools in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Every teacher faces challenges in providing students with real work-based learning opportunities. At the same time, live internships are harder to secure, and teachers are dealing with larger class sizes and increased preparation demands. Our goal is to ensure that our project-based learning curricula make things easier for teachers. One great advantage our teachers love is the Virtual Internship approach, which provides career readiness education through simulated work-based experiences. This allows every student, regardless of local industry support, the opportunity to have an internship, test drive a career pathway and experience the thrill of their future. Your School Could Be Next Interested in learning more about how we are harnessing the power of AI to improve STEM education with tools like EMILIA ? Click here or call us at 913-764-4272 to schedule a free 20-minute demo of any of our courses and certifications.

One of our recent blog articles discussed our work with NOCTI, the nation's largest provider of industry-based credentials and partner industry certifications for CTE programs. Today we are highlighting how we are helping one of our teachers, Ian Kilpatrick, prepare his students for the NOCTI Web Design exams as he uses our Web Design curriculum . Ian teaches at the High School of Fashion Industries in Manhattan, New York City. For more about Ian and his students, check out this article we wrote last year . Aligning to NOCTI To make sure we were aligned to NOCTI, we updated our existing curriculum to meet the Standards and Competencies that make up the foundation for the written NOCTI exam. We then added new content modules to fill in certain areas, which ensures we are covering the necessary topics and content so that teachers using our curriculum can be confident they are preparing their students for written exam success. Next, we updated our performance assessment in which students have the opportunity to use a practicum that prepares them for each stage of the NOCTI assessment. This gives students the chance to practice the web design and development process to better prepare for the performance assessment. Hear what Ian has to say about working with CTeLearning: “The web design curriculum provided by CTeLearning was instrumental in preparing my students for the NOCTI Web Design exam. The team was incredibly responsive and quick to adjust the curriculum to better align with our specific needs, ensuring that the content directly supported the exam requirements.The comprehensive approach to teaching foundational concepts, combined with hands-on projects, has deepened students' understanding of web design principles while building their confidence in applying these skills in real-world scenarios. Thanks to the clear, structured lessons and the emphasis on both creativity and technical proficiency, my students felt well-equipped and knowledgeable as they approached the NOCTI exam. This curriculum has truly laid a solid groundwork for their future careers in web design. I couldn't recommend it more highly!” So what’s next for Ian? This year his school is taking advantage of several new courses as part of their senior capstone program. In this new capstone course, the students will earn two new certificates, Bootstrap 5 and Hybrid and Remote Working Professional (HRWP). Students build websites for live clients who may be fellow entrepreneurs in the fashion and business senior programs, for local startups or for mom and pop stores in their Brooklyn neighborhood. Regardless of who each student gets as their client, they will be practicing the technical and soft skills they learned from going through our Web Design course and preparing for their NOCTI written and performance exams. Throughout the Bootstrap 5 course, students gain skills in developing mobile-friendly sites and applications. The HRWP certificate has sections on interviewing and freelancing to help students prepare for jobs that may not be 100% in-office. All of this helps students build their professional portfolios and add valuable certifications to their resumes for future educational and professional endeavors. Learn More Interested in learning more? Stay tuned for future articles about our work with NOCTI. And click here or call us at 913-764-4272 to schedule a free 20-minute demo of any of our courses and certifications.