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Dinolift has embarked on an AI education journey. We highlight the unexpected enthusiasm the training has ignited among blue-collar workers and the inclusive nature of the initiative.
Why has Dinolift launched a company-wide initiative to learn about artificial intelligence?
The move stems from a strategic management decision to integrate AI training into its ongoing education plan for all employees, ensuring the workforce has the necessary skills to advance its growth and strategy.
With AI relevant to every industry, your competition has probably started to do the same. As such, everybody should understand the basics, so seize the opportunities the technology offers by seeing how Dinolift took its first step into AI training.
From AI Consumers to Contributors
In 2018, the University of Helsinki and learning company MinnaLearn launched Elements of AI, a free online course on the basics of artificial intelligence. It has over a million users across 170 countries and has been translated into 26 languages, with its learning methods ensuring people do not just learn but apply it to their work.
“These skills are a must-have for office workers,” says Ville Valtonen, CEO of MinnaLearn and project director when the course was first created. He explains that it targets the 99% who do not have a computer science background, and passing will be an advantage in their career.
“In working with AI systems, the first step is to understand what these systems do—and that these are not intelligent systems,” he says. “The next step is to ensure the AI systems being used are trustworthy, especially with new EU regulations on the way. In short, we want to transform people from AI consumers to AI contributors.”
With its Elements of AI for business service, the course can also be combined with facilitated group meetings tailored to a particular focus, such as using Microsoft Copilot tools more effectively. However, Valtonen stresses starting small: “The key is to provide an ongoing education for employees to keep riding the AI wave.”
Inclusivity of the AI Training Programme
The first Dinolift employee to complete Elements of AI was Marita Kankaanranta from production, who initially saw artificial intelligence as a sci-fi concept. Her thoughts changed as she gained practical knowledge, completing the course in short bursts while taking car journeys with her laptop.
The course covers key AI concepts, neural networks, evaluating AI’s future, societal impacts (algorithmic bias, privacy, employment), and engaging in AI discussions. It also enables participants to analyse business perspectives through an AI lens and prototype AI solutions.
“I spent a couple of hours completing the chapters, totalling about 10 to 12 hours. I invested extra time reading the linked sections and taking notes to help my studies. After completing the more challenging tasks, I felt a sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm, prompting me to enrol in the next online course.”
Dinolift’s HR Manager, Reija Högerman, who has completed the first two chapters, expressed her surprise that a blue-collar worker was the first to complete the course. She noted, “Initially, the factory workers believed it was meant for white-collar employees, but they’ve shown even greater enthusiasm for this training.”
This underscores the programme’s inclusivity, she adds. “It’s important to recognise that this training is universally accessible, as it is both cost-free and available online. It’s an inclusive opportunity suitable for individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds, making AI knowledge attainable for everyone.”
Dinolift’s initiative reflects its broader commitment to technological advancement and cultivating a culture of continuous learning. By empowering its workforce with AI knowledge and skills, employees can drive ambitions forward, benefiting both the company and its customers.
