RMIT opens $1M learning space dedicated to Apple Foundation Program at City Campus

RMIT opens $1M learning space dedicated to Apple Foundation Program at City Campus

New learning space dedicated to the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT now open to teach technology skills for jobs of the future.

RMIT today unveiled a new dedicated space for learners participating in the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT. The million-dollar space, designed by architecture firm Hinge, features a sustainable building design, enabled with the latest Apple technology. 

Over four weeks, the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT introduces students to the Swift and Xcode programming languages, using Mac and iPhone to design and prototype an original app for the Apple iOS ecosystem. 

The program allows for a transition into technology from other career paths, opening pathways for mature-aged students and learners from non-STEM backgrounds and enables study to be combined with ongoing employment in a sustainable way. 

The Apple Foundation Program at RMIT Learning Space will support the expansion of the free four-week program, coinciding with the first of four new intakes across 2024.

The Apple Foundation Program at RMIT model is one of many initiatives that addresses the recommendations from the Australian Universities Accord, offering a flexible and responsive learning pathway for underrepresented groups.

15 April 2024

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Professor Karin Verspoor, Dean of RMIT's School of Computing Technologies interviews former graduates of the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT at the launch of the new space.

Professor Ian Burnett, Deputy Vice Chancellor STEM College and Vice-President RMIT University, officially launched the new space today. 

“We are proud to be opening this new learning space for the Apple Foundation Program at RMIT, and to be expanding the program in 2024,” said Burnett.

"This program supports The Accord’s call to address the gaps and disadvantages in the national tertiary education and skills system. 

The future of work requires more opportunities for lifelong learning, and this program offers reskilling and upskilling for under-represented groups in the technology sector.”

From undergraduates studying engineering, health sciences, marketing, and more, to adult learners and working professionals, Apple Foundation Program participants come together to learn the language of technology and acquire highly transferable skills to bolster their future careers.

Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, Enterprise and Education Marketing, said “Apple and RMIT share a passion to equip students with the essential skills to succeed in the booming app economy."

"Since our partnership began in 2017, hundreds of RMIT students from diverse backgrounds have refined their real-world problem solving abilities, and gained proficiency in design and app development using Swift, igniting creativity and unlocking new pathways to jobs.

“We are thrilled that RMIT is deepening its support of the Apple Foundation Program through a new dedicated facility and expanding its iOS courses to prepare even more graduates for careers in app development.”

Apple Foundation Program at RMIT graduate, Mason Cao, says the course inspired him to discover career pathways he’d never previously considered.

“I’ve always thought of app development as something incredibly challenging, but it turned out to be much easier with help from mentors in the Apple Foundation Program," Cao said.

"Getting to immerse myself in such a dynamic and creative environment has increased my confidence and empowered me to take on even bigger challenges like pursuing app development full-time. 

"I believe the goal of technology should be to embrace new changes and advancements, while also making sure it is accessible to everyone. The Apple Foundation Program at RMIT aligns with those values perfectly.” 

 

Story: Sarah Gates and Finn Devlin

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15 April 2024

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