What companies in industry and manufacturing need to know now to train their employees properly.
Since February 2, 2025, the EU AI Act has provided a uniform legal framework for the use of artificial intelligence throughout Europe. The aim of the regulation is to ensure the protection of fundamental rights, health and safety while promoting innovation. A central component of the regulation is Article 4, which requires providers and operators of AI systems to ensure that all persons involved have sufficient AI expertise – and does not stop at the manufacturing industry.
This industry is also obliged to implement the regulation swiftly in order to avoid infringements, which can result not only in high fines but also considerable reputational damage. The following article explains the requirements of the EU AI Act with regard to AI competence and shows how companies can successfully implement them.
What does AI competence mean?
The legislator defines this as the ability to use artificial intelligence competently, responsibly and safely. This includes:
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Technical knowledge of how AI systems work and their limitations
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Awareness of opportunities and risks in a legal, ethical and social context
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Understanding possible damage and how to avoid it
Who is affected?
The obligation applies to companies of all sizes and regardless of the AI system – even general-purpose applications such as chatbots are covered.
Affected are:
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Provider of AI systems
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Operators of such systems
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External contractors who use AI on behalf of us
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not only developers and IT specialists, but also users in specialist departments
No standardized measures – but obligation to provide evidence
The EU AI Act does not specify any concrete training formats or certifications. Companies have the freedom to design their own skills development.
However, you must prove at all times that the measures are suitable and effective.
Documentation is essential:
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Contents
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Duration
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Participants
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Timing of the measures
Four steps to implementation in practice
1. determine requirements
Analysis of:
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Which employees work with AI systems?
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Which systems are in use?
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What are they used for?
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What are the risks?
2. design and implement measures
The training courses must be tailored to roles:
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Developers need deeper technical knowledge
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Users need a basic understanding of how AI works, ethics and the EU AI Act
3. keep knowledge up to date
Technology and the legal situation are constantly changing:
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internal learning platforms
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External further training
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Lectures & exchange
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Regular refresher
4. ensure documentation
Systematically record all measures so that companies can provide evidence if necessary.
Where can companies find help?
There are numerous general offers:
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Webinars
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FAQs
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Practical examples
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official EU documents
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AI Service Desk of the Federal Network Agency
However, these are often very general.
As soon as it comes to concrete implementation in the company, this is usually not enough.
This is where specialized IT service providers such as handz.on GmbH come into play:
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Modular AI training programs
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Tailored to roles and level of knowledge
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Adopt documentation
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support the risk classification of AI systems
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provide action strategies for high-risk systems (RMS, registration, data governance, etc.)
Conclusion
The EU AI Act is both an obligation and an opportunity.
Companies that take a systematic approach to building up expertise:
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reduce legal risks
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anchor responsible AI use
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create strategic advantages
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strengthen the confidence and skills of their employees
Employees who understand AI are more confident with it, are less afraid of „AI will replace me“ and recognize the added value in their day-to-day work.
