AI and Machine Learning courses

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the process of programming a computer to make decisions for itself. This could be anything from recognising objects in pictures, to chatbots responding to customer queries based on frequently asked questions, to recommending shows on streaming services.

Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that teaches computers how to learn from data. This is achieved by providing the computer with many examples from which it can identify patterns and trends. These insights will then inform the computer how to behave in the future.

As the use of AI and ML expands, training and upskilling become essential. Resume Builder reports that 96% of companies hiring say candidates with AI skills will be at an advantage. According to Edvancer, 82% of organisations now require machine learning skills.

As more companies continue to adopt AI technology and tools, developing employees’ AI literacy should be a priority for leaders. It's necessary to stay competitive, improve efficiency and drive innovation. According to members of the Forbes Business Council, business leaders should work to level up their teams’ ability to read, understand, use and communicate with data and AI. Some steps they can take include determining where AI will be most effective, examining current IT policies, prioritising ethics oversight, and developing AI training programs.

To successfully integrate AI into their business, organisations should first look to provide their staff with the necessary training to understand how it could benefit their workflows. Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of AI will help your staff design and implement AI-assisted workflows that teams are proficient in and comfortable with using on a daily basis.

The coverage of artificial intelligence courses, including the fundamentals and tools used, varies in terms of level (e.g. beginner, intermediate, advanced).

For intermediate and advanced AI and Machine Learning courses in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, training usually covers strategic thinking and communication and how to leverage advanced features of the tools.

AI and Machine Learning courses cover a mix of theoretical foundations and practical applications. Students will be introduced to key mathematical concepts and essential frameworks for working with AI on a daily basis. They will explore ML algorithms; deep learning techniques including CNNs, RNNs and transformers; as well as applications of natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision. Additionally, students will gain hands-on experience with commonly used tools, including the Python and R programming languages, and the TensorFlow, PyTorch and Scikit-learn software libraries.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning training courses can be challenging. This is also because AI and ML are very fast-paced. New problems and solutions get developed and become mainstream in a few months.

You can attend an AI or ML training course in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines without deep coding knowledge. Despite the common opinion that AI is for all, the basic or intermediate ability to write code is necessary to control AI and ensure that its activities align with your end goal. Access to it in the form of Netflix recommendations based on previous activity is one thing, but a working knowledge of the algorithms used behind the scenes is another.

Those in the field say it takes six months to gain an understanding and confidence in tackling the basic concepts of AI and ML. This requires participation in AI and ML courses and undertaking simple and practical projects. After that, it's a matter of taking advanced courses and solving more complex problems to learn intermediate concepts and deepen your knowledge.

Intermediate learners can spend further time applying algorithms to real-world data, understanding evaluation models and working with other issues of greater complexity. These skills can take months or years to build, culminating in advanced applications of AI and ML training, which often involves postgraduate study or industry experience.

It is important to note that both AI and ML require continuous upskilling to keep pace with the development of new models and techniques. Courses, projects, and independent research will help ensure a comprehensive knowledge of AI and ML for those working in the industry.

The rise of AI has amplified the importance of programming languages, especially Python, which has become the backbone of many AI, machine learning and data science applications. We recommend that those planning on studying machine learning or artificial intelligence courses have at least a basic working knowledge of Python.

Python is a support language often used by software developers to build, control, manage, and test their programs. It is typically used to develop websites and software, automate tasks, and analyse and visualise data It is relatively easy to learn and has been adopted by many non-programmers, like accountants, data analysts, and scientists, for day-to-day tasks such as organising finances and reports.

Python is recommended for those taking beginner courses in AI and ML. Python is the most common language used in AI, and it proves helpful for simple tasks. It also does not require upgrading all your code when moving to more advanced applications.

Lumify Work offers introductory, master, and advanced online Python courses online or at one of our campuses in Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.