AI has transformed the learning landscape. Tools like ChatGPT and Claude now sit on every desktop, and for many learners they’ve become the first port of call for everything from writing an essay to solving a workplace problem. At The Tess Group, we think that’s brilliant: AI is an incredible tool and it’s here to stay. But it also raises a really important question for anyone responsible for developing people: if AI can do the thinking for us, how do we make sure learners still build the skills to think for themselves?
It’s a question we’ve been thinking hard about. And it’s shaping the way we design and deliver our programmes.
The Risk: Losing Cognitive Friction
There’s a concept in learning science called cognitive friction — the mental struggle that happens when someone is working through a challenging problem. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s where the real learning takes place. When a learner wrestles with a concept, makes mistakes, corrects themselves and eventually lands on an answer, that knowledge sticks. The skill is embedded.
When AI simply hands over the answer, that friction disappears. The output might look polished, but the underlying capability hasn’t been built.
For anyone invested in developing people — employers, L&D teams, apprentices themselves — this matters enormously.
Our Approach: AI as a Tool, Not a Shortcut
At The Tess Group, we don’t believe in pretending AI doesn’t exist — that would be a disservice to our learners. Modern professionals need to know how to use AI confidently and effectively, and our AI & Automation Level 4 apprenticeship is built around exactly that.
But across every programme we deliver, we’ve designed our approach to keep critical thinking at the heart of the learner’s journey. Here’s how:
Real Conversations with Real Skills Coaches
Our coaches work 1:1 with every learner, asking the kind of questions that can’t be shortcut by a chatbot. “Why did you approach it that way?” “What would you do differently next time?” “How would this work in your specific role?” These are the conversations that build deep, lasting capability.
Work-Based Application, Not Just Written Work
Every programme requires learners to apply what they’re learning to their actual job. It’s not enough to describe a concept — learners have to demonstrate it in the workplace, reflect on what happened, and show how they’ve grown.
Assessment That Goes Beneath the Surface
Our assessment methods are designed to test whether a learner genuinely understands what they’re doing, not just whether they can produce a tidy piece of writing. Professional discussions, observations, and portfolios of real work all make sure the thinking is there.
Reflective Practice Built In
We weave reflection into every programme because we know that’s where knowledge becomes skill. Learners are encouraged to document what they’ve learned, what surprised them, and what they’d do differently — turning passive content into active growth.
Teaching Learners to Use AI Well, Not Avoid It
We actively encourage our learners to use AI as a study partner — to quiz themselves, explore concepts from different angles, and test their own reasoning. We show them the difference between asking AI for an answer and asking AI to help them think. That distinction is everything.
Want to See How Our Programmes Are Designed?
Every TESS Group apprenticeship blends AI skills with critical thinking, work-based application, and 1:1 coaching. Explore our AI programmes or book a free discovery call.
Book a Free Discovery CallWhat This Means for Employers
If you’re investing in apprenticeships or professional development for your people, the question you should be asking any training provider right now is: how are your programmes still building real capability in the age of AI?
At The Tess Group, that’s a question we’ve already answered. Our learners finish their programmes able to do the job, not just describe the job. They know how to use AI as a tool to sharpen their thinking — and they know when to put it down and think for themselves.
That’s the balance employers are crying out for. It’s the balance the future of work demands. And it’s the balance we build into every learner’s journey.
Ready to Develop Your People — Properly?
Get in touch with the team at TESS Group to chat about how our programmes can help your people grow — properly, deeply, and ready for whatever comes next.