Don’t Get Left Behind: Why AI Skills Matter Now More Than Ever
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant future – it’s here, and it’s reshaping how we work, lead, and grow. Across industries and departments, from small businesses to the highest levels of government, AI is transforming everyday tasks into powerful outcomes. However, for many professionals, the real challenge isn’t embracing AI – it’s knowing where to start.
The University of Canberra, in partnership with Cisco and Evolutioned, has created a unique short course that answers this call with clarity and confidence. The AI Advantage: Fundamentals for Government & Business is a face-to-face, hands-on learning experience designed not for technologists, but for people who want to understand how AI actually fits into their work, their goals, and their industries. What sets it apart is not just the practical content, but the way it meets professionals exactly where they are and helps them step forward.
This course goes beyond theory – it puts AI tools directly into the hands of participants. Participants will learn how to use real platforms and technologies already changing how organisations operate: from automating manual admin tasks to drafting reports, analysing data, and improving service delivery. Sessions are practical and focused, with live demos, step-by-step guidance, and expert presenters who show you exactly how to apply AI in a government or business context.
Joel Madden, one of the course facilitators, adds;
“The course focuses on practical applications – no pink unicorn pictures here! We adapt the course based on participant needs and cover everything from safely generating customised content, through to using private LLMs and Gen-AI assisted task automation”
The need for courses like this is growing. Just last week, the Business Council of Australia (BCA) released a landmark report urging swift national action to unlock AI’s economic potential.
“The choices we make now will determine whether we gain a competitive edge or fall behind,” said BCA chief executive Bran Black. “We need to be training more AI specialists, data scientists, and engineers, while also educating the entire workforce on how we can improve the day-to-day work experience.”
That’s exactly what the University of Canberra’s AI course is designed to do – make AI accessible, useful, and strategically relevant for those outside of the tech bubble. And it’s already having an impact.
“Working at the forefront of innovation means staying current with emerging technology and tools. This course provided a deep dive into essential AI skills, from understanding the security and foundations of AI to experimenting with effective prompt techniques. It gave me solid knowledge of the capabilities and resources available to begin implementing AI solutions. The facilitators and guest speakers were excellent, so if you’re wondering what AI can do, how to approach it, or who to connect with in this space, this course offers a brilliant starting point” said Ben, Canberra Innovation Network.
In a world where AI is often overhyped or poorly explained, this course offers something rare: clarity, confidence, and real capability. It doesn’t ask you to become an AI expert. Instead, it gives you the fluency to lead, collaborate, and innovate using AI, and that’s the kind of skill that stands out.
Dr Aya Hussien, one of our expert course facilitators, puts it simply, “Recent advancements in AI and its rapid adoption are setting new productivity standards. Effectively utilising AI at work is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. In this course, I aim to provide a clear understanding of how AI works, the key factors that influence the reliability of its outputs, and the different approaches to using it. This will help participants make informed decisions about when to apply each approach and how to integrate AI into their workflows to multiply efficiency while maintaining accuracy”.
Participants receive a University of Canberra Certificate of Completion and a Cisco accredited digital badge, a recognisable credential that’s shareable across platforms and industries. But more importantly, they leave with something less tangible and far more valuable: momentum.
Spots are filling fast for our October course — places are limited, and interest is growing! Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or figuring out how it fits into your role, this course will give you the tools and confidence to move forward.
Don’t wait, step into the future with practical skills and a network that keeps you moving.
👉 Find out more and register here:
https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/faculties/SciTech/scitech-courses/ai-advantage
Reference:
Sadler, D. (2025). “Govt urged to act now on AI or miss out.” InnovationAus, June 3, 2025. Retrieved from https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2025/govt-urged-to-act-now-on-ai-or-miss-out.html
