Tata Consultancy Services and DeakinCo. tackle Australia's skills gap with new programs
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has entered a strategic partnership with DeakinCo., a division of Deakin University, to co-design a series of corporate learning programs.
These programs are designed to meet the growing demand of talent in emerging technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analytics and robotics.
The programs aim to help address the digital skills gap and accelerate the economic growth of Australia.
The new partnership brings together Deakin's academic expertise and TCS' industry networks and experience.
The first program, to be piloted in early 2022, will focus on machine learning, which consists of three streams enabling senior executives, mid-management and practitioners to leverage the power of this emerging technology in their chosen profession. Each stream will be facilitated by leading academics and industry experts.
According to a statement, the programs are designed to address specific capability gaps for businesses and will provide learners with an engaging experience that focuses specifically on skills and knowledge required in these dynamic fields.
Designed to be delivered digitally, each program will have customisable elements to meet the needs of each client, offering a blended experience incorporating both face-to-face and self-paced sessions. These will include detailed, industry-relevant case studies, practical workshops, and direct access to leading practitioners, the company states.
Deakin University vice chancellor Professor Iain Martin says, "Both Deakin and TCS realise the importance of anticipating future workforce needs and that there's a real risk of falling behind.
"In areas such as machine learning and AI, we are already seeing some of the consequences of this across the world and in Australia, with employees and businesses unable to bridge the skills gap - things are moving so fast and competition is fierce.
Martin continues, "These programs combine strong theoretical knowledge with up-to-the-minute industry know-how, which ensures students are able to stay ahead in these rapidly evolving fields, regardless of their career stage. DeakinCo. is absolutely at the forefront of new skills training and works directly with the industries that require it to remain competitive.
TCS head education business Ankur Mathur says, "We are delighted to partner with DeakinCo. to help talent from across Australia's leading organisations and across the world in developing digital skills.
"This partnership brings together unique academic and industry expertise in technology areas, to help learners enhance their skills and grow their careers further. At the same time, this partnership is a testament to our deep commitment and passion for digitally transforming education. It further highlights our continued investment in delivering in the Australian market.
DeakinCo CEO Glenn Campbell says, "These courses enable businesses to target specific capability gaps quickly and from within. For managers who are overseeing machine learning projects but who don't have a technical background, it will support them to build capability within their existing data analyst teams.
Overall, the partnership between Deakin University and TCS deepens their existing relationship, aiming to facilitate more work in common interest areas, including core technologies such as virtual reality, cloud, digital and cybersecurity to carry out co-innovation across the Australian education sector.
