Joint media release with the Minister for Small Business, the Hon Julie Collins MP

Australian small and medium business owners will today be able to access a new free course in artificial intelligence 101, a development which has been welcomed by the Albanese Labor Government today.

The National AI Centre (NAIC), coordinated by Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, in partnership with the Institute of Applied Technology Digital (IATD) announced it will provide one million scholarships to support Australians to learn fundamental skills and adopt AI technology in their business operations.

The 'Introduction to Artificial Intelligence' course will be delivered through TAFE NSW from today, and will cover topics including challenges and risks, common misconceptions, real world applications, and advice from industry experts to start your career in AI.

More information on the free Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course, including registrations is available here. 

This is the latest milestone in delivering on the government’s ambition for AI as outlined in its interim response to the Safe and Responsible AI in Australia consultation. It is also another step towards delivering on the Government’s target to reach 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030.

The Albanese Labor Government is taking several other immediate steps to help businesses to develop and use safe and responsible AI, including the establishment of a Temporary Expert Advisory Group last month, and developing an AI safety standard.

Quotes attributable to the Hon Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“A lot of business owners and workers have heard of AI, but they’re not sure about how it applies to them.

“With this course, they can dip their toe in the water and get the basic skills that get them thinking about how AI can get their business working smarter and faster.

“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."

Quotes attributable to the Hon Julie Collins, Minister for Small Business

“The Albanese Labor Government understands the benefits to small businesses across the economy that are able to upskill digitally and harness new technologies.

“We are providing a range of support to help small businesses excel online by investing more than $60 million in small business cyber security and digital training programs.”

Full link to course: https://store.training.tafensw.edu.au/product/introduction-to-artificia…