# AI for the Workplace with Claude

100% online training with expert live support

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/courses/ai-for-the-workplace-with-claude>

## Overview

This two-day, 12-hour live course takes you from your first Claude conversation to a fully operational AI workflow with custom Projects, connected tools, role-specific Plugins, and automated tasks. You'll master prompting across five use cases, set up Projects with persistent instructions and knowledge bases, personalize Claude with Artifacts, Styles, and Memory, and apply advanced techniques like chain-of-thought reasoning and the "You Ask Me" method.

You'll then learn Claude Cowork, Anthropic's desktop agent that works directly with your files and tools. You'll build a context system, configure guardrails, connect workplace integrations, install Plugins, and set up recurring automations. The course ends with a capstone where you build a complete Claude system around your own job and produce a real deliverable. Coverage spans Claude.ai, Cowork, Plugins, and Office Add-Ins, with all exercises built around your own work files. Enrollment includes a certificate of completion and a free retake within one year.

## What you'll learn

- Write structured prompts for writing, analysis, summarization, and research
- Set up Projects, Artifacts, Styles, and Memory for a personalized workflow
- Configure Claude Cowork with guardrails, permissions, and context files
- Connect Claude to Slack, Google Drive, Gmail, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Install role-specific Plugins and set up Scheduled Tasks
- Build a complete Claude system for your job through a guided capstone

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Getting Started with Claude AI

- Explain how Claude works in plain language.
- Identify the model tiers, plans, and key parts of the claude.ai interface.
- Practice starting a first conversation with Claude.

#### Module 2: Prompting Fundamentals & Working with Files

- Identify the core parts of an effective prompt, including context, task, format, constraints, and examples.
- Apply prompting across writing, summarization, analysis, research, and creative problem-solving.
- Work with images, PDFs, spreadsheets, screenshots, and handwritten notes in Claude.

#### Module 3: Projects — Organizing Ongoing Work

- Explain how Projects use custom instructions, knowledge bases, and RAG to organize ongoing work.
- Write effective Project instructions for real workplace tasks.
- Create a Project using real work documents.

#### Module 4: Artifacts, Styles, and Memory

- Create reusable deliverables with Artifacts.
- Customize Claude’s voice with Styles and enable persistent context with Memory.
- Apply usage management tips to extend plan value.

#### Module 5: Intermediate Prompting & Advanced Features

- Use role-based prompting, chain-of-thought, and multi-step workflows.
- Apply advanced features such as web search, Extended Thinking, and the “You Ask Me” technique.
- Practice advanced prompting with real work scenarios.

#### Module 6: Claude vs. Other AI Tools

- Compare Claude with tools such as Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT.
- Choose the right tool for different types of work.
- Recognize data privacy considerations and organizational AI policies.

#### Module 7: Introduction to Claude Cowork

- Explain what Claude Cowork is and how it differs from claude.ai.
- Read, write, and manage files from the desktop environment.
- Complete a first Cowork task.

#### Module 8: Building Your Context System

- Build three foundational files: about-me, brand-voice, and working-style.
- Distinguish between Global Instructions and Folder Instructions.
- Use the AskUserQuestion workflow to improve context and outputs.

#### Module 9: Guardrails, Permissions, and Safe Use

- Configure file access controls, network egress, and privacy settings.
- Recognize prompt injection risks and mitigation strategies.
- Set up safety settings for secure use.

#### Module 10: Connectors, Chrome, and Office Add-Ins

- Connect tools such as Slack, Google Drive, Gmail, and more through MCP.
- Use Claude in Chrome, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Build a multi-tool workflow across connected applications.

#### Module 11: Plugins and Scheduled Tasks

- Install domain-specific Plugins for functions such as Data, Marketing, HR, Finance, and Project Management.
- Use slash commands and recurring automations.
- Create a Scheduled Task and test a Plugin workflow.

#### Module 12: Industry Applications

- Apply Claude across role-specific scenarios in Data, Marketing, HR, Operations, Project Management, and Finance.
- Complete practical workflows using real files.
- Adapt Claude workflows to different job functions.

#### Module 13: Capstone — Build Your Personal Claude System

- Audit job tasks and identify high-value Claude use cases.
- Configure a personal Claude system and connect relevant tools.
- Run a complete end-to-end workflow that produces a real deliverable.

#### Module 14: Wrap-Up and Next Steps

- Review Claude’s limitations and available resources.
- Create a Week 1 action plan for applying what was learned.
- Identify next steps for continued use and improvement.

## Schedule
- Jun 29, 2026 – Jun 30, 2026 — Live Online
- Jul 21, 2026 – Jul 22, 2026 — Live Online

## Instructors

### Reid Johnson — Instructor

Reid isn't just someone who knows CAD and BIM; he's a licensed architect and contractor who deeply integrates these technologies into every facet of his career. His hands-on experience as a practitioner building real-world projects provides him with an invaluable understanding of how BIM and CAD streamline workflows and enhance design. This practical foundation led him to Autodesk, where he shared his expertise, helping others effectively leverage these powerful tools. Throughout his professional journey, Reid also dedicates himself to education, consistently teaching university courses and shaping the next generation of design professionals by equipping them with essential CAD skills. His unique blend of practical experience, industry knowledge gained at Autodesk, and passion for teaching positions Reid as a true specialist in BIM and CAD technology, capable of bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.

**Credentials:**

- Autodesk Fusion Certified User
- Autodesk Revit Certified Professional
- Autodesk Certified Instructor
- Licensed Architect
- Licensed General Contractor

### David Nguyen — Instructor

David is the AEC Software Specialist at VDCI, with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and an Associate’s degree of science in Drafting and General Design from ITT Technical Institute. A San Diego native with over 12 years working in the Design Industry and construction industry, David brings his construction and design expertise to help all students achieve their goals in the field. Outside of his professional life, David loves attending concerts, festivals, playing his guitar and restoring and repairing all types of vehicles.

**Credentials:**

- OSHA 30 hr. Construction Safety Certified
- Construction Software: SketchUp, Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Fusion, REVIT)
- Mechanical Software: PTC CREO Parametric, Solidworks, MasterCAM

## FAQ

### What do I need before the course?

A Claude Pro subscription ($20/mo) is recommended for full access to all features. The first half of the course works on the Free plan, but the second half requires Pro. You’ll also need the Claude desktop app installed.

### What will I be able to do after?

You’ll leave with a working Claude system built around your actual job — including Projects, context files, connected tools, Plugins, and at least one automated task.

### Is this specific to one industry?

No. The course serves all roles. The second half of the program includes targeted modules for data analysis, marketing, HR, operations, PM, and finance.

### How is this different from a ChatGPT course?

This focuses exclusively on Claude’s ecosystem: Claude.ai, Cowork, Plugins, Scheduled Tasks, and the Office Add-Ins. Module 6 covers an honest comparison with ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini.

### Will I use my own work files?

Yes. Have 3–5 real files ready. The deliverables you create are immediately useful at work.

### Does it cover AI safety?

Yes. A full module covers guardrails, permissions, data privacy, and prompt injection awareness.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $799