Preparing for 5G tech growth: RMIT partners with IBM on Australian-first courses

RMIT will partner with IBM to deliver the Australian-first courses – Internet of Things (IoT) Strategy in the 5G Era and 5G Technology and the Opportunity for Business.

The rollout of 5G is expected to revolutionise communications technology and transform the industrial internet by enabling Australian businesses to improve productivity and reduce costs thanks to faster download speeds, lower latency and higher capacity.

These new co-designed courses will ready the Australian workforce for the future, by offering a practical approach to incorporating 5G-enabled IoT technology within an Australian business context.

The courses will also help students understand the business implications and benefits of the burgeoning technology and apply strategic decisions to stay ahead of the technology curve.

RMIT Online CEO Helen Souness said the newest additions to the Future Skills portfolio would help future-proof Australian businesses against industry disruption.

“The advent of 5G technologies holds incredible economic potential for businesses and individuals,” she said.

The upwards trend on IoT devices is expected to continue, with IDC predicting 41.6 billion devices globally by 2025.

According to the GSMA, 5G is also anticipated to inject $2.2 trillion into the global economy by 2034.

“For Australians to keep up with the hyperconnectivity that will ensue from the rollout of the 5G network, as well as the emergence of booming technologies like VR and AR, employers will need to understand the technological implications and business impacts from a strategic perspective,” Souness said.

“For education to keep up with the breakneck speed of technology, we’re extremely proud to partner with leaders like IBM, to provide students with the essential tools and knowledge they’ll need to handle the technological implications of the 5G rollout.”

IBM Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Katrina Troughton said the 5G rollout was a monumental opportunity for Australia’s tech innovators on a global scale.

“Anticipation of the 5G rollout has been creating waves for years now and thanks to the vast pool of talent and skills we have in Australia, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to global 5G innovation in a remarkable way,” she said.

“We’re thrilled to be at the forefront of 5G education and training as a result of our partnership with RMIT.”

IoT Strategy in the 5G Era course runs for six weeks and covers the fundamentals of 5G, the implications of 5G on the IoT landscape, as well as key drivers and business impacts in the Australian business sector.

5G Technology and Business Opportunities runs for one week and is designed for business leaders interested in gaining a deeper understanding of 5G technology.

The online courses will be fully credentialed by RMIT University. Further information is available at RMIT Online. 

For media enquiries, please contact RMIT Communications: 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au.