Skills Bootcamp AI for Freelancers

Course details

Course provider: Mastered Studios

Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 19 or older and reside in West Yorkshire

Start date: From September 2025

Duration: 8 weeks 

Venue: Hybrid

Course overview

You will explore: 

• Building a business model with AI 
• Branding and marketing with AI tools 
• Financial confidence, pricing, and budgeting 
• AI-enhanced sales funnels and lead generation 
• Ethical AI use and sustainability 
• Strategic networking, cold outreach, and confidence building 

Each module builds toward a final showcase where learners pitch an evolved freelance service to peers and sector mentors. 

This intensive eight-week Skills Bootcamp in AI for Freelancers equips self-employed professionals across all sectors with the essential business and technical skills needed to sustain and grow a digitally enabled freelance practice. Designed for freelancers, sole traders, and microbusiness owners, the course blends AI tool fluency with business rigour, supporting participants to build confidence, optimise processes, and unlock growth using artificial intelligence. 

The curriculum is aligned to Level 5 and structured around a weekly programme of thematic learning modules, combining live online workshops, peer group collaboration, and 1:1 business mentoring. Each module includes applied activities, tool-based learning and structured feedback to ensure real-world application. 

Who It Is Suitable For 

This course is ideal for: 

• Freelancers, sole traders and microbusiness owners across any sector including digital services, marketing, consulting, design, tech, health, and education 
• Mid-career professionals and early-stage entrepreneurs using AI to enhance service delivery, productivity, or brand reach 
• Employer-sponsored freelancers looking to scale client acquisition or diversify offer 
• Self-employed individuals who want to integrate AI tools into their operations but lack confidence, structure or strategy 
• Those returning to work or pivoting careers post-pandemic using freelancing as a flexible pathway 

No prior technical or AI expertise is required; however, you must demonstrate a strong commitment to building a sustainable freelance business and meet Skills Bootcamp eligibility criteria. 

What You Will Learn 

You will complete eight weekly modules that systematically build foundational and advanced skills to thrive as AI-enabled freelancers: 

Week 1: Foundations – Strategy, Tools and AI Readiness 

• Understand the role of AI in small business operations 
• Learn basic concepts: large language models (LLMs), automation, and prompts Build a Business Model Canvas using AI as a co-planner 
• Apply design thinking to identify opportunities for innovation and optimisation Outcome: A clear business strategy aligned with digital opportunities, documented in a bespoke AI-enabled business model. 

Week 2: Brand Building – Identity and Differentiation 

• Develop a brand narrative aligned to personal values and market relevance 
• Use AI tools to audit existing branding and identify gaps 
• Design brand assets using generative platforms such as Canva AI and Adobe Firefly Outcome: A defined brand system and toolkit for visual and narrative consistency across client touchpoints. 

Week 3: Marketing Foundations – Audience, Channels and Positioning 

• Build customer personas with AI-generated behavioural insights 
• Identify and evaluate marketing channels using the Bullseye Framework 
• Use generative AI to set SMART goals, write bios, and draft ad copy Outcome: A channel-specific marketing plan tailored to sector, budget and time capacity. 

Week 4: Campaigns – Content Strategy and Planning 

• Create campaign content calendars with automation tools 
• Plan multi-channel strategies and refine tactics using performance metrics 
• Learn to A/B test and iterate campaigns using AI-assisted analytics Outcome: A three-month AI-augmented marketing plan with integrated content workflows. 

Week 5: Money – Finance, Pricing and Tools 

• Review freelance financial systems: invoicing, cash flow, forecasting 
• Explore AI tools to automate reconciliation, tax prep, and financial planning 
• Develop pricing strategies rooted in value, time tracking and market context Outcome: A personal and business finance toolkit, supported by AI, and a pricing strategy aligned to growth goals. 

Week 6: Sales Funnel – Journey Mapping and Lead Generation 

• Understand sales psychology and buyer decision-making processes 
• Build a lead generation pipeline using automation and data-driven content 
• Map and optimise the customer journey with conversion checkpoints Outcome: A full client acquisition strategy including funnel architecture, lead capture and onboarding flows. 

Week 7: Responsible AI and Sustainability 

• Explore AI ethics, risks, and data responsibilities for freelancers 
• Evaluate sustainable workflows and tech stacks 
• Draft a Responsible AI pledge for clients Outcome: A personalised ethical AI policy and strategy for sustainable, values-led freelance practice. 

Week 8: Networking, Influence and Readiness 

• Practice networking and client pitching with peer and mentor feedback 
• Use AI to prepare outreach templates and automate follow-ups 
• Present final portfolio and pitch at the Freelance Innovation Showcase Outcome: Five new leads or follow-ups, a confident pitch, and a roadmap for scaling or diversifying freelance income. 

Overall Outcomes 

By the end of the programme, you will: 

• Develop and implement a business strategy powered by AI 
• Build and activate a brand identity using generative tools 
• Launch and manage campaign strategies using AI-assisted planning 
• Apply automation to streamline finances and sales workflows 
• Confidently integrate AI tools into client delivery and marketing 
• Increase billable hours or secure new freelance clients and commissions 

You will also receive: 

• A digital badge and business portfolio evidencing completion
• A documented Action Plan aligned to progression or business growth
• Ongoing access to Mastered Studios’ freelancer community and support clinics for 6 months

What next?

Graduates leave the bootcamp with a tested freelance business model, client-ready collateral, and a roadmap for growth. 

You may choose to: 

• Secure new freelance work using refined offers, pitch decks and AI-generated portfolios 
• Apply their new capabilities to grow an existing contract, retainer or consulting pipeline 
• Explore digital product creation (e.g. templates, tools, or online courses) to diversify income 
• Offer AI-enhanced services to new sectors or markets 
• Access support from West Yorkshire freelance networks such as You Can Make It Here, The New Monday, or sector-specific agencies 

You will also benefit from progression-focused mentoring clinics and the opportunity to join future Freelancer Progression Labs or AI for Microbusiness accelerators run by Mastered Studios.