Central University of Technology introduces Artificial Intelligence university programme in partnership with Microsoft, Free State Government, Gijima

Artificial Intelligence university Microsoft South Africa Free State

Central University of Technology, South Africa, is introducing an Artificial Intelligence university programme powered by Microsoft.

To firstly skill employees with the in-demand skill and secondly address the demand for the skill in the province and South Africa in general.

The Artificial Intelligence university programme is developed by Microsoft and will be delivered by Microsoft Partner Gijima. The initiative is also in partnership with the Free State Provincial Government.

It will comprise of a 12-month blended learning model of self-study, online learning, classroom instructor-led training and a flipped classroom.
The program will include; Mentorship and coaching by industry experts, Business skills, Microsoft Azure AI Associate Certification, Flipped Classroom, Guest Lecturers, Career days, Examination and Certification.

The program is designed to pass on skills employers value and need. By teaching graduates with limited or no work experience to explore, transform, model, and visualise data. As well as to create the next generation of intelligent solutions.

The collaborative nature of the Artificial Intelligence university Programme will unlock the value of AI and the role it will play in workplaces of the future says Microsoft South Africa Managing Director, Lillian Barnard.

By bringing together private and public sector partners, students, facilitators, mentors, coaches, and industry experts, the programme will enable the development of critical AI skills that will help our young people become more work-ready and employable, as well as help organizations, adapt to the ever-changing demands of the world of work.
Lillian Barnard

The training and certification program started on the 3rd of July 2020 with the Innovation Services of CUT (CUTis) and the Free State Provincial Government. The program will become available to the general public for enrolment from 2021.