As new technology and concepts become ever more commonplace within the automotive industry, it has never been more vital for businesses to keep up to speed with developments.

The disruptive technology that is already here and just around the corner is something altogether different to the gradual advances in traditional technology with which we are familiar, and the understanding of concepts such as artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles will be extremely useful additions to the toolbox of any business, or indeed any individual, looking to take advantage of the opportunities the technological evolution will unleash.

To provide members with the knowledge and training to make the most of these opportunities, MTA Queensland has partnered with RMIT Online – the online learning arm of world-renowned RMIT University – to offer short courses in a range of cutting-edge disciplines. These include Developing VR and AR Strategy, Developing AI Strategy, Artificial Intelligence in Marketing, and Introduction to Self-Driving Cars, amongst others.

Together, the courses offer a wonderful opportunity to get an early insight and understanding of some of the technologies that will become such an integral part of the automotive industry.
The courses are part of RMIT Online’s Future Skills portfolio – short courses built in partnership with industry that are focused on developing the skills of those already in the workplace and that are delivered in a manner that does not involve participants putting work or life commitments on hold.

“We are in a time of exponential technological change and the things people were learning at university even just a couple of years ago are no longer necessarily keeping pace with the skills that are in demand in the market today,” said Jack Hylands, GM of strategy and new product at RMIT Online.

“People are looking for alternative ways to continually upskill and reskill so they can get to the next stage of their career or continue to prosper in their existing role that is undergoing huge digital transformation. We therefore focus on areas that align with skills gaps in the market – skills that industry and individuals want and that we can supply in order to help them be more successful.”
The short courses are devised with input from industry and are delivered fully online, enabling people to complete necessary work outside of business hours and with a minimum of disruption to their regular lives. That delivery has also been designed to be as inclusive and as collaborative as possible with experts and mentors from industry delivering tutorials, Q&A sessions and one-on-one support.

“You do get a cohort experience,” said Mr Hylands. “You go into your course with other people starting at the same time and you receive feedback on your work from industry experts who also deliver weekly tutorials or live Q&As. That means you have the opportunity to interact in a face-to-face manner, as well as have one-on-one mentor sessions and drop-in classes. So, although the courses are online, you are getting much more of that personalised experience and the opportunity to engage with peers and experts.”

While all the courses give important lessons on what is needed to navigate the future work environment, the Introduction to Self-Driving Cars course is particularly intriguing.

Developed by Udacity – a world-leading technology education provider – it delves into one of the most exciting areas of the automotive industry’s future.

“If you look at the autonomous vehicles movement in Australia, we are now seeing a huge demand from companies such as Bosch and Holden to hire people with these skills,” said Mr Hylands.

“However, there hasn’t been the educational offerings in the local ecosystem to help make these connections.

“Udacity have really been on the front foot with some of the most exciting developments of recent years – be it self-driving cars, flying cars, robotics engineering, or artificial intelligence programs,” he added. “Some of these experiences include using full virtual 3D environments with datasets where you can put code into your vehicle to see how effectively it operates on the road with other vehicles and pedestrians. These are skills that Australia needs and that are in demand and is why we partnered with Udacity to bring the best of those courses here.”

RMIT Online’s desire to work with industry in developing and delivering their courses brought them into contact with MTA Queensland, and that relationship will see Nathan Luu Nguyen, MTAiQ Community Manager, and co-founder of NXG3N Robotics and the Pegasus Flying Car project, be a mentor on the Introduction to Self-Driving Cars course.

“When we were looking to bring these courses to Australia, we were looking to see where the green shoots of this ecosystem were – to see where the companies and organisations doing really exciting things were,” said Mr Hylands. “MTA Queensland was identified very quickly as an organisation that very strongly aligned with us and with whom we could identify mentors and experts to give students the extra value we are trying to provide.”

For its part, MTA Queensland is excited to be able to partner with RMIT Online and help deliver such important learning opportunities. It is part of the association’s ongoing efforts to assist members to embrace and adapt to the evolution of the automotive industry.

“The future depends on collaboration, and the venture between MTA Queensland and RMIT Online is a great example of leading innovation in the space of education and business,” said Dr Brett Dale, CEO of MTA Queensland. “The technology covered in the courses is the first of its kind in Australia. We will provide the industry context, relevance and mentoring and our partners at RMIT Online will provide the content that will inform innovators on emerging technology that will disrupt our industry.

“Academia and industry can achieve great things collectively and this is an excellent example of how they can deliver the latest in skills and knowledge to those who are eager to lead industry in the future.”

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (November 2018)

12 Nov 2018