Artificial intelligence scholarships are now on offer to one million Australians, in a bid to increase the nation’s literacy of a technology estimated to be worth $4 trillion to the economy by the early 2030s.
The free ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence’ microskill course is provided by the National AI Centre (NAIC), coordinated by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and the Institute of Applied Technology Digital (IATD).
The course will provide a non-technical introduction to AI fundamentals and is designed for people at the beginning their AI literacy journey.
With many small to medium enterprises (SMEs) grappling with the challenge of adopting AI the course is an opportunity for business owners to deepen their understanding.
NAIC director Stela Solar said, “SMEs make up over 98 per cent of Australia’s economy, and ‘Introduction to AI’ is their opportunity to learn how they can use this revolutionary technology to enhance their operations, services, and market competitiveness,” Ms Solar said.
Minister for industry and science Hon Ed Husic said, “This is practical and pragmatic support for small businesses, who don’t have the same access to tech know-how as big business, but have just as big a need to improve productivity.”
This makes it ideal for workers seeking to upskill, individuals starting their career in AI, and small to medium business owners.
Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) cheif executive officer Luke Achterstraat said, “This microskill course will help build confidence and competency for small businesses as they navigate the AI landscape.”
Available now through IATD, the two- and half-hour course will cover:
- What AI is
- Common AI terminologies
- The challenges and risks of using AI
- Common misconceptions
- Real-world applications of AI
- Australian AI case studies
- Advice from industry experts to start your career in AI
Director of IATD operations Helen Fremlin said, “No programming or computer science background is required for students to enrol, and the virtual nature of this course facilitates an easier path for Australians to upskill in AI, whenever and wherever they choose.”
Students will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the course.