Want to thrive in an AI-first world? Our FREE Survival Skills Series gives you new tools to add to your kit.

    Get More Info
    Blog AI Fundamentals pathway: Build real AI skills, one course at a time
    Article

    AI Fundamentals pathway: Build real AI skills, one course at a time

    General Assembly
    February 18, 2026


    AI is everywhere. 

    Tools are multiplying. Expectations are rising. And most people are stuck wondering where to start—or what to learn next—without diving straight into something overly technical.

    That’s exactly why we offer our AI Fundamentals pathway. It’s a practical, step-by-step way to build real AI skills one course at a time. You can start with a single course that applies most to you, or combine all four to build a broader foundation—beginning with everyday use and progressing toward creation and leadership. No engineering background required.

    Why start with AI fundamentals?

    Trying to get overly technical before you understand the fundamentals is like building on unstable ground. Without a solid foundation, even the most ambitious AI projects don’t hold up for long.

    AI fluency isn’t built overnight. And it doesn’t start with complex systems or advanced engineering.

    It starts with:

    • Knowing how to use AI tools effectively 
    • Understanding what AI is, and what it can (and can’t) do
    • Using critical thinking to decide when AI actually adds value

    Strong AI fundamentals give you confidence to build skills that still apply even as tools change.

    How the AI Fundamentals pathway works

    The learning pathway for AI fundamentals is designed as a progression, not a checklist. Each eight-week course stands on its own—but combined (in any order you choose), they build a solid, employer-recognized foundation in applied AI.

    • AI Workplace Fundamentals
      Start by applying AI to everyday work. You’ll learn how to use AI tools to streamline communication, analyze information, and automate simple workflows responsibly.
    • Vibe Coding
      Move from using AI to creating with it. Turn ideas into working prototypes and digital solutions using AI-assisted tools and natural language—no traditional coding required.
    • Build AI Agents
      Go beyond single prompts and workflows. Design autonomous AI agents that can reason, use tools, and support real-world processes at scale.
    • Agentic AI Strategy
      Build the skills to lead AI adoption responsibly. Learn how agentic systems impact teams and organizations, and how to design strategies that balance innovation, ethics, and governance.

    To make the AI Fundamentals pathway even more accessible, we’re offering a bundle discount. So when you enroll in two courses within this pathway, you become eligible to enroll in the remaining two courses in the pathway at no additional tuition or cost. Get in touch to learn more.

    Test the waters with a hands-on AI workshop

    Not quite ready for a course yet? Try out a workshop like AI Agent Discovery: Find the Right Use Case. It’s a great way to experience how we teach and kick-start your AI learning pathway. (Plus, you can apply what you paid for a GA workshop toward any longer-form course at GA.)

    This three-hour, instructor-led session, gives you a clear introduction to AI agents and how they’re actually used. You’ll learn how to analyze workflows, define goals, and spot opportunities where an AI agent could add value—all using free tools and without any technical background.

    You’ll walk away with:

    • A realistic understanding of what AI agents are (and aren’t)
    • A strong use case for an AI agent that you can explain clearly and responsibly
    • A head start on the AI skills you’ll continue building in the AI Fundamentals pathway

    All of our AI workshops are  a practical way to get value immediately while also testing what it’s like to learn with us—hands-on, thoughtful, and focused on skills you can actually use.

    Designed for anyone who’s ready to build an AI foundation

    These courses are built for professionals across functions—not just “tech people.”

    Your professional background doesn’t matter here. What does matter is curiosity, a willingness to experiment, and a desire to work smarter with AI. Every course is live, instructor-led, and hands-on, so you’re practicing with real tools and real workflows from day one.

    Why learn AI fundamentals with General Assembly

    For 15 years, we’ve focused on teaching skills that actually hold up in the real world. That hasn’t changed.

    With our AI Fundamentals pathway, you can expect:

    • Live instruction from experienced professionals
    • Hands-on, applied learning—not passive demos
    • Responsible AI principles built into every course
    • Skills designed to be used immediately at work

    This isn’t about chasing the next trending AI tool. It’s about building practical capability that holds up as AI continues to evolve.

    Start with one course—or build a complete AI foundation

    You don’t need to learn everything at once. And you don’t need to overhaul your career to get started.

    Try a workshop. Progress to a single AI Fundamentals course. Add skills over time. Or complete the full AI Fundamentals pathway and earn a badge that reflects real, applied learning. Strong fundamentals make everything else easier. Let’s chat about the next step for your AI foundation.

    LET’S CONNECT

    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    By submitting this form, you agree to receive SMS communications related to courses at General Assembly. I have read and acknowledge General Assembly’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Message & data rates apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help and STOP to opt-out. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.