Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

Media Release
One million 'Introduction to AI' scholarships available to Australians

Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) 'scholarships' are now on offer to one million Australian, in a bid to increase the nation's literacy of the 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 Institute of Applied Technology - Digital, a technology-focused institute at TAFE NSW, and the National AI Centre (NAIC), coordinated by Australia's national science agency, CSIRO. 

The course will provide a non-technical introduction to AI fundamentals and is designed for people at the beginning of their AI literacy journey. 

Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan today welcomed the announcement which is an ideal opportunity for workers seeking to upskill, those starting their career in AI, and small to medium business owners. 

The microskill is available now through the TAFE NSW Institute of Applied Technology - Digital. Working in collaboration with RAFE NSW, Microsoft, Macquarie University, and the University of Technology Sydney, the Institue of Applied Technology Digital designs and delivers market-leading training that rapidly adapts to industry needs.

The two-and-a-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

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

"Artificial Intelligence is already transforming our economy, workplace, education system, and community. This is an exciting opportunity for people nation-wide to advance their AI understanding. 

"It's great to see TAFE NSW collaborating with the National AI Centre to provide students from all background with a start to develop their Ai literacy, so they can access the jobs of tomorrow."

Director, National AI Centre 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."

CEO, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), Luke Achterstraat said:

"Small businesses are a main source of innovation in Australia - they are entrepreneurs who try new ideas, test new products, and usually back themselves with their own capital.

"This microskill course will help build confidence and competency for small businesses as they navigate the AI landscape."