MEC AI and Data Foundations

EMC is a unique Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping manufacturers grow and become more competitive. Our education, training and development programs build excellence at all levels and every stage of a career.

Learner has successfully completed a blended learning path designed to build confidence introduce the use of AI in ways that are real, practical and authentically connected to the workplace. The learner has attended facilitated sessions, participated in discussions, completed all activities, culminating in a proof of concept WPP presented on the final day. Workplace Performance Project Learner has gained hands-on experience with planning and implementing green initiatives within the workplace. Learner worked with a team to identify a problem or opportunity within their organization and used problem solving methodology and tools to execute a Workplace Performance Project. This project demonstrates that the learner has gained the knowledge, tools, and confidence to manage future improvement opportunities. Course Content: • Demystifying AI and building a shared language across roles • Understanding data fundamentals and the challenges of real-world data • Practical prompting strategies • Creating structured, repeatable AI workflows and systems • Organizing and optimizing work using folders and tailored models • Moving from individual AI use to team-based deployment and collaboration • Evaluating and selecting AI tools for business applications • Using AI to solve problems and improve workplace performance

Learning Outcomes: • Explain what AI is and how large language models work, in plain language • Identify common data issues that affect AI performance • Assess whether a dataset is ready for AI use • Write effective prompts and iterate to improve results • Build repeatable AI workflows using folders and models • Deploy an AI solution that others on your team can use • Present a real, work-connected AI project with confidence Minimum requirements • Actively participated in facilitated training sessions • Demonstrated understanding of course content during discussion-based learning • Completed and presented Workplace Performance Project • Facilitator confirmed that they are confident that the learner would be able to apply their learning on future projects and within the workplace.

Estimated effort time 20 – 24 hours

About the MEC Program The Manufacturing Essentials Certification (MEC) Program is an initiative designed to build the skills and confidence of the manufacturing workforce using a Skills for Success framework, including key skills such as problem solving, innovation, collaboration, and communication. Developed to support the manufacturing industry with increased productivity, improved workplace culture, higher employee engagement, stronger leadership, and a more collaborative working environment.

EMC updates learning content on a regular basis. Version: 2026-1