Excel, Copilot & Python training for teams

Expert-led training with a dependable process

George Mount, an O’Reilly author, Microsoft MVP, and LinkedIn Learning instructor, leads program design and instruction. The subject-matter expert shaping the engagement is also responsible for the learning experience, while every engagement follows a clear process for scoping, preparation, delivery, and follow-through.

George’s work includes training for major banks and operations teams, as well as courses for LinkedIn Learning and live teaching through O’Reilly and the Global Excel Summit. Learn more about George’s background.

Choose a workshop

These are sample outlines. Each can be scoped as a focused workshop or developed into a multi-session program with more guided practice and a larger applied exercise.

Excel for reliable analysis and reporting

Best for: Teams working with recurring reports, inconsistent source files, and manual spreadsheet steps.

Starting point: Participants use Excel regularly and are comfortable with basic formulas. No programming experience is required.

Sample day one: Structure data with Excel Tables; clean and combine files with Power Query; summarize results with PivotTables; check and refresh a reporting workflow.

Optional day two: Connect related datasets, explore data modeling, and build a more complete reporting exercise with documented refresh and review steps.

Skills participants practice: Preparing consistent data, replacing repeated cleanup steps with a refreshable process, and checking reports before sharing them.

Copilot for everyday Excel work

Best for: Teams that want practical ways to use AI in spreadsheets and better judgment about when to trust its output.

Starting point: Familiarity with Excel formulas and tables. We’ll confirm the Copilot features available in your organization and match the exercises to them.

Sample day one: Prepare a workbook for AI; write prompts with clear context; use Copilot to help explain and draft formulas; explore data; verify the results.

Optional day two: Work through longer analysis scenarios, compare AI-assisted approaches with established Excel tools, and develop shared prompting and review practices.

Skills participants practice: Asking clearer questions, spotting unsupported conclusions, and choosing appropriate uses of Copilot within the organization’s policies.

Python in Excel for analysts

Best for: Excel users who want to extend their analysis with Python while staying in a familiar workbook environment.

Starting point: Confidence with Excel tables and formulas. No previous Python experience is required for the introductory workshop. We’ll confirm Python in Excel access before finalizing the agenda.

Sample day one: Read workbook data into Python; understand DataFrames; clean and summarize a dataset; create and interpret visualizations.

Optional day two: Combine datasets, explore trends or relationships, and build an applied analysis with checks and clear explanations of the results.

Skills participants practice: Reading and adapting Python code, producing analyses that extend Excel’s built-in tools, and deciding when Python adds value.

What the training experience looks like

Short explanations and demonstrations lead into guided exercises, time to try the methods, and discussion of what the results mean. The aim is to build skills participants can apply and explain after the session.

Before delivery, Stringfest confirms the learning objectives, pace, practice files, software requirements, and logistics. On-site and live virtual options are available, along with focused workshops, multi-session programs, and train-the-trainer engagements.

Experience with teams like yours

Financial services analysts

Through training programs for major banks, George has helped early-career analysts apply modern Excel tools to market data, including Python in Excel, Copilot, Power Query, and data modeling. The focus is practical analysis and more dependable workflows.

Operations and reporting

For an operations team at a U.S. manufacturer, George designed a modern Excel program covering Power Query, PivotTables, and automated templates to address manual spreadsheets and inconsistent reporting.

Download the existing services and case studies brochure.

Planning and internal approval

Start with the work: Describe what your team handles today and what you want them to do better. A specific reporting or analysis challenge is helpful; a finished brief is not required.

Check the fit: We’ll discuss current skills, group size, software access, delivery format, timing, and budget. The sample outlines give your colleagues a starting point for that conversation.

Agree on the scope: The final agenda, fee, materials, and delivery arrangements are agreed before booking. If you’re still seeking internal approval, mention that in your inquiry.

Learning on your own? Explore individual courses, public workshops, and membership resources.