Advanced manufacturing businesses across the Solent are being offered the opportunity to build their practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills through two dedicated workshops supported by Solent Freeport.
Solent Freeport has secured a limited number of exclusive places on AiLab’s Couch to AI programme, giving advanced manufacturing businesses across the Solent access to hands-on training in using and adopting AI responsibly and effectively. Places are heavily subsidised by Solent Freeport, at a cost of £100 per delegate.
Two workshop levels are available, so businesses can choose the one that matches where they’re starting from.
Couch to AI: Level 1 (Using AI) is designed for people who are new to AI or already experimenting with it, but want to build their confidence and skills.
Taking place on Tuesday 3 November 2026 at Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth, the workshop will demystify AI and explore how generative AI tools can be applied to everyday work.
Participants will learn about AI tools and responsible use, effective prompting, content, document creation and multimedia applications. They will also develop their own practical AI Playbook and a 48-hour action plan to put their learning into practice.
Couch to AI: Level 2 (Adopting AI) is aimed at professionals already using AI or those responsible for helping their team or organisation adopt it more effectively.
Taking place on Tuesday 24 November 2026 at The Queens Hotel, Portsmouth, Level 2 will focus on moving beyond individual AI use towards wider organisational value.
The workshop will cover AI adoption readiness, responsible AI, workplace policies, team workflows and automation, culminating in participants creating their own practical 90-day AI adoption plan.
Both workshops are non-technical, jargon-free, and focused on providing practical guidance that participants can apply in the workplace immediately.
The idea for the programme grew out of the inaugural Solent FutureScape event in March 2026.
The programme has been designed and developed by AiLab, a global AI education company and UK Registered Learning Provider, and will be delivered by AiLab Co-founder and Head Dr John Flackett (PhD in Artificial Intelligence), who has more than 30 years’ experience in artificial intelligence.
Brian Johnson, Independent Chair of Solent Freeport said: “This initiative supports Solent Freeport’s wider focus on developing the skills, innovation, and business capabilities needed to drive economic growth across the region, including within advanced manufacturing. We are excited to have been able to secure these places with AiLab and would encourage anyone that is interested to register, sooner rather than later, as places are limited.”
Dr John Flackett (PhD in Artificial Intelligence), Co-founder and Head of AiLab, added: “Manufacturing businesses don’t need to become AI experts to benefit from it – they need practical, confident first steps they can apply straight away. That’s exactly what Couch to AI is built around, and we’re looking forward to working with advanced manufacturing businesses across the Solent, whatever stage they’re starting from.”
To book a place, email info@solentfreeport.com and an invoice will be sent to confirm your booking. Places are limited.
Find out more about Solent Freeport: https://solentfreeport.com/
