[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – IBM will train about 800 mid-career professionals over the next year in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity under a new program launched on Monday (September 21).
The program is part of a broader government effort by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to provide 30,000 training places for Singaporeans this year, which was announced in May.
Speaking at the IBM facility in Changi Business Park on Tuesday, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said that around 18,000 of the 30,000 places have been created to date by employers such as IBM, training providers and institutes of higher education.
Response to the training venues on offer has also been strong, with nearly 15,000 people expressing interest so far, he added.
“As long as our mid-career (professionals) have the right mindset to want to continue improving and improving their skills, we will do our part to provide the necessary support to get the relevant training and be in a good position to get a job when the economy recover, “said Mr. Wong.
“We are looking for skills that will be in demand and in future growth areas, and IT is naturally one of these areas. IT itself is not a vertical sector but a skill set that can be applied in many sectors. .and a program like this will potentially make graduates employable in many fields. “
IBM’s program, called i.am-vitalize, offers two full-time training courses in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity that will run over six months. Students in both courses will complete a set of introductory modules during the first 2 1/2 months, before diversifying into specialized tracks.
The first five online classes, comprising around 13 or 14 trainees for two instructors, started on Monday. The course costs $ 500 with grants from SSG, and trainees also receive a monthly allowance of $ 1,500.
Registration is open until March of next year and those interested can register on this website.
Around 400 mid-career professionals have signed up so far, with over 200 accepted and classes due to begin in batches over the next several months. Applicants must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents and possess basic IT knowledge, such as being familiar with web browsers and using a mouse and keyboard.
Artificial intelligence designers, blockchain developers and data engineers are among the roles that trainees can transition to upon graduation, IBM said.
The company has also linked up with industry partners such as Standard Chartered Bank and blockchain firm Tribe Accelerator to facilitate job placement opportunities and give feedback on what employers want.
“We are definitely looking to employ some of the graduates from these courses,” said IBM Singapore Managing Director Martin Chee.
“Clearly, we always want to hire the best, and many of the apprentices come from incredible experience. It is a case of combining technology with business, and these students will have something to add that will make them more employable.”
Tribe Accelerator Managing Partner Ng Yi Ming said the program focuses on case studies and real-life scenarios where knowledge of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity can be applied, something employers are looking for.
It is less theoretical and more about how artificial intelligence and cybersecurity can be applied to daily work and understand the needs of companies, he added.
[ad_2]
