BCC to Offer AI Essentials Training Course

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) presents a hands-on, beginner-friendly AI course on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 26 through Nov. 13.
 
Sessions will be held from 5:45-8:45 p.m. To apply for the course, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/ai and complete a workforce trainings application form. 
 
The course is designed for adults looking to develop career-ready skills by effectively integrating AI into learning and work. Participants will explore the evolving world of artificial intelligence in an accessible and practical way, gaining a strong foundation in AI concepts while focusing on safe and responsible AI usage. 
 
Throughout the course, students will get direct experience with cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT and low- or no-code platforms facilitated with Docker Desktop. Key topics include prompt engineering, understanding AI models, and leveraging AI for coding, research, and automation. Students will also work with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and agentic AI, explore AI-powered workflows, and dive into machine learning fundamentals — all while maintaining a strong focus on ethical AI use and its limitations. 
 
Completing the AI Essentials course opens doors to a wide range of job opportunities for people just starting out, switching careers, or boosting their current role in areas of employment including: 
 
  • AI Solutions Engineer 
  • Data Labeler/Annotator 
  • QA/AI Tester 
  • Prompt Engineering (Junior level) 
  • Hybrid Roles (with AI + existing experience), including Admin or Ops Assistant (with AI tools) and Marketing or Communications Support (AI-Generated content) 
 
For more information, email workforce@berkshirecc.edu or call (413) 236-2115. 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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