As the demand for skilled technology talent continues to grow in Ontario, the University of Toronto Department of Computer Science and the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence have launched a new program to meet the needs of early- and mid-career technology professionals looking to advance their careers in the burgeoning field of machine learning.
Comprising three micro-credential offerings (Machine Learning Software Foundations, Applied Machine Learning and Machine Learning Operations), the Technology UpSkilling Program offers learners an opportunity to strengthen both technical and professional skills necessary to succeed in today’s data-driven world. The program allows learners to combine offerings to earn up to three micro-credentials: Machine Learning/Data Science, Machine Learning Operations, and Advanced Machine Learning.
“As a result of the rapid pace of advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, mid-career technology professionals can find themselves with a skills gap compared to more recent graduates,” explains Michael Brudno, professor and vice chair of the Department of Computer Science. “Through the Technology UpSkilling Program, these professionals can position themselves well for the next step in their careers.”
Through the Technology UpSkilling Program, learners benefit from direct engagement with award-winning U of T and Vector Institute faculty who helped develop the foundations of modern machine learning, as well as industry leaders who guide and participate in in-class exercises and projects. Through these opportunities, learners can bolster their professional networks as they build the in-demand skills sought by leading employers.
Upon completing the program’s micro-credentials, learners will have proven their ability to develop and apply tools that support data management, analysis, and visualization, to facilitate the generation of insights and support data-driven computational models. The program prepares learners for roles in areas such as software engineering, infrastructure engineering, machine learning development and machine learning operations.
Program prerequisites include a minor or major degree in computer science along with two years of software development experience, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
The core micro-credential offering, Machine Learning Software Foundations, will first be offered in Fall 2022 in a fully online modality. Subsequent offerings starting in Winter 2023 will be offered in a blended format, taking advantage of the best features that both in-person and online options have to offer. Each session lasts 11 weeks, with instruction occurring two weekday evenings per week plus one weekend day.
Interested in learning more and getting started? Visit the Technology UpSkilling Program website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Tuition fees are eligible for OSAP funding, pending approval. Additionally, U of T alumni are eligible for a discount of 10% off program tuition fees.