Students learn app development fundamentals with Apple

Students learn app development fundamentals with Apple

The first group of participants have completed the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT, one of only two Australian institutions to offer the initiative which introduces the foundations of Swift and app development.

Over a four-week program held at RMIT’s city campus, participants worked on Mac and iPhone to design and prototype an original app using Xcode, and Apple’s programming language, Swift. 

The program is open to learners from a range of backgrounds, from high school students through to those pursuing a career in the sector, and applicants do not require prior coding knowledge.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor STEM, Professor Ian Burnett, said it was an exciting initiative to address the digital skills gap in Australia and increase diversity in the tech sector. 

“We want to empower learners from all walks of life to embrace this free program and build on their passions and creativity with technology,” he said.

“We know that innovation comes from all angles, and we are confident that our learners will build a future-fit skill set and be well-equipped to make a positive impact on the world.”

13 April 2023

Share

Students completed the four-week program at RMIT's City Campus.

Learning skills for the next century 

RMIT student and program participant Pray Manuel said the opportunity to learn from Apple drew him to the program.

“I did this course to make the most of my time at university. In the 21st century, with the rise of technology, I feel like this course can teach me some good skills to have for the future.”

Fellow program participant Vineet Prabhakar said while an interest in app development and technology made him sign up, at the end of four weeks he has also strengthened his skills in critical thinking and customer-focused product development.

“The primary thing I’ve learned is how to refine my thoughts and to narrow down my ideas to only what’s necessary. Also, to understand what the user needs and how can we simplify an app for the user,” he said.

RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor STEM College and Vice-President, Professor Ian Burnett.

Fostering the skills of the next generation of developers, entrepreneurs, and designers 

Australia is home to a robust app industry with many of the most popular apps today built using Swift.

Apple Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations and Enterprise, and Education Marketing, Susan Prescott, said at Apple coding is seen as an essential skill that empowers students to make a real impact in their communities

“We’re proud to see everything students are accomplishing during our first program, and we can’t wait to see how their innovations are realised.”

The Apple Foundation Program will be ongoing at RMIT, as well as the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and is free to the public. 

Read more about the first Australian students to complete the program on the Apple Newsroom and explore the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT.

 

Story: Finn Devlin

Return to RMIT News
13 April 2023

Share

  • Student experience
  • STEM
  • Science and technology
  • Industry
Engage

Related News

news-green-hydro-catalyst-model-1220px.jpg

Low-cost innovation boosts green hydrogen production

RMIT researchers and international collaborators have demonstrated a new way to significantly increase green hydrogen production using low cost materials, offering a potential pathway to cheaper clean fuel.

DiscoveryHUB Pre-Accelerator

RMIT receives major grant to support AI and deeptech startups

RMIT has received about $400,000 in Victorian Government funding through Innovation Victoria to back early-career researchers as they test whether their AI, deeptech and MedTech ideas can become viable startups.

sec-res-hub-launch-1220x732-speakers.jpg

New RMIT Security and Resilience Hub to create a more resilient Australia

RMIT's Security and Resilience Hub will serve as a front door to industry, creating a nexus with teaching and research to drive innovative collaborations and solutions to some of Australia's most complex challenges.

wsbe-26-wrap-thumbnail-1220x732px (1).jpg

RMIT advances sustainable housing leadership at WSBE26

RMIT University was honoured to recently host the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2026 (WSBE26) in Melbourne, one of the longest‑running global scientific and technical conference series dedicated to sustainability in the built environment.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information