AI & Emerging Tech Learning Directory for SMEs¶

Purpose: Curated directory of free and low-cost AI learning resources for Australian businesses Audience: SME owners, HR/L&D teams, AI champions and technical staff | Time: 30-45 minutes

🏛️ Government-Backed Programs¶

Federal Programs¶

1. 🎓 AI 101 Course for Small & Medium Businesses¶

Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

• Description: Builds foundational understanding of AI concepts and real-world productivity use cases tailored for SMEs.
• Format: Online, self-paced short course.
• Eligibility: Open to all SME owners and employees.
• Cost: Free.
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Integration: Serve as baseline training to align staff vocabulary and identify practical AI opportunities.

2. 🤝 AI Adopt Centres¶

Business.gov.au – National Network

• Description: Provides tailored diagnostics, hands-on piloting, and AI adoption roadmapping through expert guidance.
• Format: Workshops, consultations, demonstrations.
• Eligibility: SMEs in trade-exposed or NRF priority sectors.
• Cost: Free (government-funded).
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Integration: Ideal for translating awareness into strategy; embed findings into SME operations or digital plans.

3. 🏭 Digital Transformation – Manufacturing AI Support¶

Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Hub & partners

• Description: Sector-focused advisory addressing AI-driven workflow optimisation, robotics integration and governance for manufacturing, energy, or agri SMEs.
• Format: One-on-one advisory and hub-based support.
• Eligibility: Manufacturing, energy, agriculture SMEs.
• Cost: Subsidised (often free).
• Difficulty: Intermediate–Advanced
• Integration: Embed as capability uplift tied to process improvement or Lean transformation efforts.

4. 📜 IATD Fee-Free Courses (Microcredentials)¶

SA Government + TAFE NSW, Microsoft, UTS, Macquarie University

• Description: Stackable microcredentials in AI, cybersecurity, data, software and cloud—designed with industry partners for practical skill-building.
• Format: Blended and online.
• Eligibility: SME staff in SA; some availability nationally subject to scholarship.
• Cost: Fee-free if funded; otherwise ~\(300–\)600 per unit.
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Integration: Develop internal "digital upskill pathway" for key staff or AI champions.

5. 🌟 TAFE NSW + National AI Centre "Introduction to AI" Microskill¶

• Description: A concise, non-technical introduction to AI, covering basics, benefits, limitations and ethical considerations.
• Format: 2–3 hour online module.
• Eligibility: All Australians.
• Cost: Free.
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Integration: Use as induction or pre-engagement prep before deeper programs like AI Adopt Centres.

6. 🏛️ APS Academy – "AI in Government Fundamentals"¶

• Description: Covers ethical, governance and risk aspects of AI deployment in brief, accessible form.
• Format: 20–30 minute self-paced module.
• Eligibility: Public servants (open access to all).
• Cost: Free.
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Integration: Embed to establish responsible AI awareness as training baseline before operational adoption.

State-Level Programs¶

7. 🗺️ South Australia AI Initiative¶

SA Government

• Description: $28 million AI initiative (2025-2029) with $7 million annually for proof-of-value trials
• Format: Government-funded programs and trials
• Eligibility: Healthcare, policing, allied health, social work and legal/financial services
• Cost: Free (government-funded)
• Difficulty: Intermediate–Advanced
• Integration: Ideal for public sector AI adoption and job protection initiatives

🌐 Open-Source / Creative Commons Programs¶

Global & Open Access Courses¶

8. 📚 MIT OpenCourseWare – AI & ML Courses¶

MIT

• Description: Search results listing MIT OCW courses tagged with artificial intelligence and machine learning, including lectures, notes and problem sets, with filters for course level and department.
• Format: Full university course materials.
• Licence: CC BY-NC-SA.
• Cost: Free.
• Difficulty: Intermediate–Advanced
• Integration: Ideal for upskilling tech-savvy staff; use as structured internal learning modules.

9. 💡 AI Pedagogy Project¶

• Description: Curated assignments and tutorials promoting critical thinking about AI's ethics, limitations and societal impact.
• Format: Adaptable classroom exercises, prompts and tutorials.
• Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
• Cost: Free.
• Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate
• Integration: Remix into internal training on AI literacy and responsible use; great for leadership/HR sessions.

10. 🎨 MIT "How to AI (Almost) Anything"¶

• Description: Explores multimodal AI applications across vision, sound, sensors and creativity—building intuition for AI's broader capabilities.
• Format: Lectures, readings and research projects.
• Licence: CC BY.
• Cost: Free.
• Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate
• Integration: Use for ideation workshops or innovation sprints; inspires cross-functional understanding.

11. 🔬 Dive into Deep Learning¶

• Description: Hands-on, open-source textbook with runnable code, blending theory, math and implementation in Jupyter notebooks.
• Format: Interactive book using PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, with live examples.
• Licence: Open source (Apache 2.0).
• Cost: Free.
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Integration: Ideal for developers or data teams; use as core resource for self-learning cohorts.

Quick Reference Table¶