New training module helps staff identify risks from AI and provides best practices for its use
Telecommunications company One New Zealand is rolling out training program to equip employees with skills to use artificial intelligence responsibly at work.
The training program, known as the Ka Tika e-learning module, will be accessible to the company's 2,500 employees through its Pā Tangata e-learning platform.
It follows One NZ's introduction of Microsoft Copilot this year in a bid to enhance productivity.
"Our Responsible AI training aims to equip everyone at One NZ with the understanding of how to use AI confidently and safely," said Jodie King, chief people officer at One NZ, in a statement.
"It also recognises that responsible AI isn't just for specialists, it's a skill everyone needs in an AI-enabled business."
One NZ's training programme
The training program, which takes less than 30 minutes to complete, has scenarios and questions to test employees' understanding of AI.
Employees are also trained to identify risks such as bias, misinformation, or over-reliance on AI, while the programme also shows ways to use the technology to drive creativity and save time.
It further covers key principles of AI use, such as fairness, privacy, transparency, and security. It also offers explanations about AI, how One NZ uses it at work, its benefits and risks, as well as the principles to follow to keep AI safe and trustworthy.
"Becoming the world's most AI-enabled telco centres on empowering One NZ team members and upskilling them to be future-fit in an AI-powered world," King said.
"We know there will be changes to roles, and we want our people to understand how AI can take care of the heavy lifting. This means our people can focus on what humans do best, which includes building relationships, solving complex problems, and creating new ideas."
Trust in AI tools
The training module comes after a previous One NZ poll that showed nearly half of New Zealanders do not trust large companies' use of AI.
Another 62% even said they would stop using a company if they had concerns about its AI use.
"New Zealanders have told us clearly that they want companies to use AI ethically and with care. By giving our people the skills to use AI responsibly, we're showing customers that we take that responsibility seriously, and that we're committed to earning their trust, every day," King said.
One NZ has already introduced an AI policy late last year, which follows international best practices. It also has a Responsible AI Community of Practice to foster ethical innovation.
