On Tuesday (23rd January) University College Isle of Man held its inaugural Learn4Life event, which focussed on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital skills.
The event was attended by over 40 people and saw a summary of ‘Business in the Age of AI’, presented by the founder of Lemur Labs, Brian Gallagher. Following the expert presentation, UCM’s manager of Adult Learning, Kerry Birchall, spoke about the range of Digital upskilling courses available to adults at UCM, which includes AI.
Brian has more than 40 years’ experience in technology consulting, working with businesses, non-profit organisations, universities and governments to improve their systems, increase productivity, improve user experience and enhance transparency.
As well as presenting this topic, Brian will be working with UCM to provide AI training to empower businesses to use this emerging technology to benefit their business and employees.
This was the first in the Learn4Life event series, which is designed to support the Island's industries with upskilling and lifelong learning, by exploring current trends and emerging topics. As well as being great opportunities for Continued Professional Development, the events offer networking opportunities too.
Kerry Birchall, who manages Adult Learning at UCM, said: ‘AI is such a fascinating and exciting topic; like any emerging technology some people may feel daunted which is why it’s so important that we are able to support local industries, employers and employees by providing upskilling opportunities through events such as this and training.
‘We’re really looking forward to the series of events we have planned, with each focussing on a different topic that we have identified through working with industry and consulting with the Department for Enterprise and the Chamber of Commerce as being important to businesses here on the Island.’
Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education Sport and Culture, added: ‘It’s fantastic to see so many people and organisations getting involved with Lifelong Learning, and seeing the benefits of continuing some form of education throughout their life. This new series of events at UCM will explore some fascinating topics affecting most, if not all, of our Island’s businesses.’
Future Learn4Life events will be held in April 2024, June 2024 and September 2024, with more information being announced closer to each event.
For more information visit www.ucm.ac.im/learn4life