Artificial intelligence skills are in huge demand, but gaining AI knowledge has historically required advanced degrees and specialized training. That high barrier to entry is finally lowering thanks to two major announcements. Tech giants Google and Microsoft are now both offering comprehensive free AI courses & materials, making this thrilling field accessible to all.

Google’s Generative AI Learning Path

Google Cloud recently introduced an exciting new Generative AI Learning Path available at no cost. This curated course sequence equips beginners with core concepts and hands-on skills to start applying generative AI.

Topics covered include:

• Introduction to Generative AI – Covers background on neural networks and fundamentals of generative models.
• Large Language Models – Dives into transformer architectures like BERT that analyze and generate text.
• Attention Mechanism – Explains how attention allows models to focus on relevant patterns.
• Transformer Models and BERT – Details advanced neural network modeling for NLP.
• Image Generation – Explores autoencoder models like GANs for generating new visuals.
• Image Captioning – Teaches techniques for generating text descriptions of images.
• Encoder-Decoder Architecture – Looks at sequence-to-sequence models for translation tasks.

The interactive courses blend concepts with practical labs using Google’s Vertex AI platform. Learners can gain firsthand experience training, evaluating, and deploying AI models.

This free content makes it possible for anyone to start acquiring the skills needed to work with cutting-edge generative AI tools like Google’s PaLM language model and Imagen image generator.

Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative

Microsoft is similarly improving AI access through their new AI Skills Initiative in partnership with LinkedIn. A highlight is their free Generative AI course.

The course provides an introduction to core topics including:

• AI Fundamentals – Foundational concepts like machine learning models, neural networks, and training data.
• Natural Language Processing – How AI systems understand, interpret, and generate human language.
• Responsible AI – Considerations and best practices for developing fair, accountable, and transparent AI.
• Generative AI Models – Overview of large language models like GPT-3 and DALL-E that create novel text and images.
• Building Conversational AI – Steps for developing chatbots and intelligent assistants.
• Azure AI Tools – Introduction to Microsoft’s Azure AI development platform.

Learners who complete the course can earn a professional certificate recognized on LinkedIn to showcase their new skills.

Democratizing AI Learning

Google and Microsoft’s free AI courses are game-changers making this field radically more accessible. Aspiring AI practitioners now have structured, comprehensive learning paths available at no cost.

These programs make it possible to:

• Learn at your own pace for free.
• Gain beginner skills before investing in advanced education.
• Explore AI as a prospective career change.
• Brush up on emerging topics like generative AI.
• Experience hands-on practice using real tools.
• Earn professional credentials and showcase skills.

 

High Demand AI Careers

Completing Google and Microsoft’s introductory AI courses can serve as launching pads into high growth careers like:

• AI Engineer – Builds and optimizes AI systems end-to-end.
• Machine Learning Engineer – Develops and trains ML models.
• Data Scientist – Applies models to extract powerful insights from data.
• NLP Engineer – Specializes in natural language AI applications.
• Computer Vision Engineer – Works on AI analyzing visual data.
• MLOps Engineer – Productionizes and monitors AI systems.
• AI Product Manager – Drives strategy and development of AI products.
• AI Researcher – Pushes the cutting edge of what’s possible with artificial intelligence.

These roles span industries from tech to healthcare, finance, transportation, and more. Core training in AI gives you highly transferable skills.

The Future is AI

Artificial intelligence is already transforming every facet of society from how we search for information to how we socialize. We’re still just scratching the surface of what AI can enable.

Access to training will fuel the next generation of AI innovation. Thanks to Google and Microsoft’s new openly available courses, the future looks bright.

Launch your AI journey today by enrolling in these free classes!