The need for AI and machine learning specialists is growing the fastest of any occupation—at a rate of 40%, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report.
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Three universities, the University of California San Diego, the University of Massachusetts, and the University of Maryland, are partnering with Springboard—an online tech bootcamp platform—to launch a new machine learning engineering and AI bootcamp.
The fully online program, housed within each university’s respective global or extended studies unit, hopes to train learners for core tech skills like data analysis and algorithm development as well as softer skills like project management, communications and ethics. Overall, it hopes to prepare students for today’s jobs as well as those careers that have yet to be created.
Colin Lumsden is the vice president of business development at Springboard. He says the program will give students the best of both worlds in the realm of AI and machine learning.
“It is intended to be a balanced program to give individuals not just technical and platform skills like AWS or anything like that, but also to understand the fundamentals of how to design the queries and the algorithms and sort of the ethical implications of doing so,” Lumsden tells Fortune.
Getting certified online and on your own time
Springboard also has existing programs in other in-demand subjects like cybersecurity and software engineering, but Lumsden says this new bootcamp is not like any other since individuals may need to have some experience to best succeed.
“It is generally more designed for people that have a certain level of experience and programming, primarily Python,” Lumsden tells Fortune. “That’s not to say that you couldn’t be successful. But having that foundational background, it’s kind of important given the more advanced nature of the contents relative to some of the other programs that we have.”
The application process includes a technical skills survey that will help discern who may be ready for the course. Those who need to boost their programming know-how will be provided foundational units in Python before moving onto the core AI/ML curriculum.
The first cohort at each school begins November 6, with applications due October 30. For those working on the program 15 to 20 hours a week, it can be completed in about 9 months.
Tuition for the bootcamp costs $13,950, which may be a more affordable option than some full-fledged master’s degree programs in AI. Many business schools offer AI certifications for just a few thousand dollars.
The average salary of a machine learning engineer is $152,000, according to Glassdoor data cited on each of the bootcamp program pages.
Lumsden recognizes that each individual has their educational and career journey, and he only hopes they will find what pathway is best for their future. In his eyes, what makes the Springboard bootcamp partnerships unique are its real-world curriculum, hands-on outcomes, and human support.
“It’s our responsibility to explain that and what this program can do for you in terms of knowledge acquisition, skill development, salary growth, new job opportunities, and to sort of articulate what the learning environment will be what the experience will be like, with the support measures offered are,” he says. “It’s really up to the learner.”
Preparing learners for the workforce
For Ricardo Lorenzana, vice chancellor of partnerships and dean at the University of Massachusetts Global School of Extended Education, partnering with Springboard is a win all around for student success. He admits that it is sometimes difficult for universities to keep up with the evolving tech industry from both a speed and cost standpoint.
Those who complete the program will be provided a certificate from the university—serving as a skills validation credential signal to employers.
Lorenzana says the new bootcamp’s commitment to connectivity and support, such as through mentorship and student advisors, is part of what makes the program great for learners. Plus, through a capstone project requirement, students come away with a portfolio embodying their new skills.
“You can learn a lot of different things on your own,” Lorenzana tells Fortune. “But what we provide is that level of service that if you struggle with something, you’ll find support, and at the end of this, you will have a portfolio project that you can take to your future employer and show them that you can apply these skills to helping solve their business needs.”
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