RMIT Online launches AI-based courses to help workers upskill

RMIT Online has launched a new slate of AI-based courses to help employees and employers upskill and address the current skills gap in the market.

Nic Cola, CEO, RMIT Online

The online university arm partnering with online program platform Udacity provides students with an array of new courses including flying car and autonomous flight engineer, deep learning, ethical hacker and ethical AI.

By offering these new AI-based courses, Nic Cola, CEO at RMIT Online told Digital Nation the university is equipping learners with the skills required to keep up with the rate technology is changing the workplace.

“Whether that’s offensive security skills to protect an organisation's computer networks and systems, applying the ethics of artificial intelligence principles to minimise bias, or leveraging the capabilities of deep learning tools to unlock next-level results for enterprises,” he said.

Cola said RMIT Online’s curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry experts, aligned with industry needs, to ensure their learners receive a world-class learning experience that is relevant, up-to-date and addresses the Australian skills shortage.

“These courses are not only nurturing the development of local talent but fostering a community of forward-thinkers who will shape future industries,” he explained.

Cola said he is seeing an increase in demand for AI-based courses.

“Data is becoming an invaluable asset in our digitised, connected world. In a more business focussed sense, AI is used daily by financial institutions in technology for fraud detection,” he said.

“Many online businesses, particularly retailers, utilise AI-based customer support agents to help handle service requests in real-time, without the real person. There’s a growing need in the market for knowledge of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence with organisations looking to align governance with business goals.”

Cola explained why digital skills are a critical part of Australia’s skills landscape.

“Demand for sophisticated and complex digital skills are on the rise, in line with the rapid development of advanced digital technologies; but while demand remains high, supply can’t keep up,” he said.

“We are in the middle of a huge digital transformation and facing a tough macroeconomic environment, which is completely reshaping the working landscape. In this new world, upskilling is not just beneficial, but essential for staying competitive and relevant.”

Cola said the best chance Australia has to remain competitive on a global stage is to partner alongside the best to broaden our current skill set, with a focus on in-demand and emerging tech sectors.

“When businesses prioritise upskilling and nurture a culture of continuous learning, they are actively investing in the growth of their company,” he added.

All courses are expected to open for enrolment from today.