The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) strongly supports the announcement of a ground-breaking initiative aimed at enhancing the nation’s familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through this initiative, one million Australians will have access to AI ‘scholarships,’ marking a significant step towards harnessing the potential of a technology projected to contribute $4 trillion to the economy by the early 2030s.
The initiative offers a free ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence’ micro skill course facilitated by the National AI Centre (NAIC) in collaboration with Australia’s premier science agency, CSIRO, and the Institute of Applied Technology Digital (IATD).
Tailored for individuals embarking on their AI literacy journey, this non-technical course provides a comprehensive overview of AI fundamentals. It caters to a diverse audience, including workers seeking to enhance their skills, newcomers to the field of AI, and small to medium business owners eager to leverage AI’s transformative potential.
The AFA emphasizes the course’s significance for small to mediumEs) grappling with AI adoption challenges. The course i enterprises (SMs a valuable resource for SMEs, constituting over 98% of Australia’s economy, to gain insights into integrating AI to bolster their operations, services, and market competitiveness.
Luke Achterstraat, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), lauds the course for equipping small businesses with the knowledge essential for unlocking AI’s myriad opportunities. Recognizing small businesses as hubs of innovation, the course is a tool to enhance confidence and competence among small business owners who are navigating the AI landscape.
IATD Operations, underscores the accessibility of the course, which requires no programming or computer science background. Its virtual format enables widespread participation, empowering Australians across the nation to elevate their understanding of AI at their convenience.
The course, now available through IATD, spans two and a half hours and covers essential topics such as defining AI, common terminologies, associated challenges and risks, dispelling misconceptions, real-world applications, Australian AI case studies, and insights from industry experts on kickstarting a career in AI. Upon finishing the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion, marking the beginning of their AI journey.