Microsoft and WithYouWithMe aim to boost female representation in Australia’s tech industry with free AI bootcamp

Running from 29 January to 9 February 2024, the Microsoft AI Intensive Bootcamp offers women the opportunity to learn online from some of Australia’s most innovative tech minds, develop essential skills in emerging AI technology and gain valuable certifications – all free of charge.

Bootcampers will engage in 40 hours of self-paced online study across AI topics. These include coding, knowledge mining, natural language processing and text analytics. Participants will also have access to live webinars with tech experts from organisations including Microsoft, LinkedIn, Akkodis, Datacom and EY.

The bootcamp is designed to prepare participants to sit one of Microsoft’s main AI exams, AI-102 Microsoft Azure AI Engineer or AI-900 Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals. Those who pass either exam will have the skills and certification to apply for high-demand tech jobs in data science, machine learning, natural language processing and robotics.

Participants will also have access to additional learning pathways and practice assessments to attempt any Microsoft exams on cloud computing, data, security, Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Cia Kouparitsas, Chief Customer Officer at WithYouWithMe, said the bootcamp aims to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in Australia’s tech industry.

“The Microsoft AI Intensive Bootcamp presents an exciting opportunity for Australian women seeking to upskill in their careers or explore a new pathway in the tech industry,” Kouparitsas said. “This two-week intensive course allows participants to access world-class training and learn from some of the industry’s brightest minds while having the flexibility to learn online and at a pace that suits them.

“Women are still largely underrepresented in the tech industry, and we hope the bootcamp will encourage more women to consider a career in tech. In addition, the bootcamp will help women already in the industry to continue developing their skills and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.”

Paula Matthews, Chief Learning Officer at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are thrilled to partner with WithYouWithMe to co-sponsor sixty places in this cutting-edge AI bootcamp delivered by Akkodis Academy.

"It’s part of Microsoft’s commitment to building more alternative pathways into Australia’s tech industry, especially for traditionally underrepresented groups like women."

“At Microsoft, we recognise that diversity drives innovation. Through this program, we aim to empower women with the skills and certifications they need to thrive in the field of emerging AI technology.”