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    TAFE NSW | 19 January 2026

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    Trading screentime for digital skills

    “The microskill was easy to fit in with my full-time job and very practical. I’d previously only worked with AI in a narrow way, mainly around audio transcription and video recognition. It’s helped broaden my understanding of generative AI and prompt crafting,” Ben said.

    Ben Chesterman, Institute of Applied Technology - Digital student

    If you’ve got time on your hands in January, upskill in emerging digital technologies through the Institute of Applied Technology - Digital. All it takes is a few clicks and less than five hours.

    In collaboration with TAFE NSW, Microsoft, UTS and Macquarie University, the Institute of Applied Technology - Digital offers a range of self-paced ‘microskills’. Topics include Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Introduction to Cyber Security and Introduction to Data Centres. They’re short, sharp and designed for students, career changers, and upskillers looking to improve their digital skills and knowledge.

    A group of professionals are seated at computer workstations in a control room, monitoring large screens displaying maps and data visualisations.

    As the Australian Government’s newly launched National AI Plan states, demand for workers skilled in AI has tripled since 2015. More than 440,000 NSW residents have enrolled and taken advantage of the NSW Government subsidised microskills. The Institute of Applied Technology - Digital is a proven way to get the digital skills needed to meet the high demand for Australia’s technology workforce.

    Ben Chesterman completed the Introduction to Artificial Intelligence earlier this year, before moving into his current role as an executive working on emerging technologies and AI pilot projects.

    “The microskill was easy to fit in with my full-time job and very practical. I’d previously only worked with AI in a narrow way, mainly around audio transcription and video recognition. It’s helped broaden my understanding of generative AI and prompt crafting,” Ben said.

    “Moving from a specialised field into my new role, developing a solid grasp of the jargon and AI tools has been valuable. It’s given me the confidence to apply AI more thoughtfully in my day-to-day work.”

    Microsoft Education, Future Skills Lead, Yasminka Nemet said: "We believe deeply in the potential for AI to propel human potential, and we know those with the right capabilities and skills will be best placed to thrive in the workplace.

    “Microsoft is proud to support hundreds of thousands of learners like Ben to gain practical skills that can be immediately applied in current roles and build a strong foundation for the future.”

    For residents outside NSW, the opportunity to upskill in three AI microskills is now open. There are 1 million fully subsidised courses available, including Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI and its Business Applications and Responsible Artificial Intelligence.

    Explore the range of microskills on offer at the Institute of Applied Technology - Digital

    Media contact: Han Whitfield, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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