Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence

• What is the Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence?

  The Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence is a national initiative led by Chisholm Institute. It brings together industry, education providers, government and researchers to build Australia’s digital workforce. Its focus includes artificial intelligence, cyber security, data, cloud computing and emerging technologies.

  The Centre will develop industry-led training, strengthen workforce capability and support applied research. It will also create pathways into digital and technology careers. Its national hub is located at Chisholm’s Frankston campus, supported by partnerships and delivery networks that extend its reach across Australia.

• Why has the Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence been established?

  Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are reshaping how we live and work. As industries evolve, Australia needs more people with digital and technology skills. Workers also need opportunities to build new skills and adapt to changing roles. The Centre has been established to help meet these needs.

  By bringing industry and education providers together, the Centre will strengthen Australia’s talent pipeline and expand access to practical, industry-led training. It will support learners to build relevant skills, help educators keep pace with emerging technologies and equip employers with the capability needed for an increasingly digital future.

• What does "Centre of Excellence" mean?

  A Centre of Excellence is a national hub that brings together specialist knowledge, industry insight and education expertise in a priority area. For this Centre of Excellence, the focus is digital, AI and technology capability.

  It will connect learners, educators, industry, government and researchers to improve training and workforce development. The Centre will also support applied research, share knowledge and build partnerships that will strengthen overall digital capability across Australia.

• Who is involved in Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence?

  The Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence brings together employers, technology companies, TAFEs, universities, government, researchers and community organisations. These partners help shape training, identify skills needs and create practical learning opportunities.

  Learners are central to the Centre. This includes students, apprentices, workers building new skills and people changing careers. The Centre will connect them with training, industry experience and pathways into digital and technology careers.

• Where is the Centre located?

  The Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence is based at Chisholm Institute’s Frankston campus. The campus is the Centre’s national hub for learning, industry collaboration and applied research.

  The Centre will also work across Australia through industry partnerships, satellite campuses and workplace-based training. This will extend its programs and opportunities beyond Victoria.

• What is a Satellite Campus?

  A satellite campus is a learning site linked to the Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence. It may be based in an industry workplace or community location.

  Learners can build practical skills through workplace learning, industry projects and access to current technology. Satellite campuses extend the reach of the Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence beyond Victoria, as a way of bringing training to where learners and employers are located, across Australia.

• What technology and digital capability areas will the Centre focus on?

  The Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence will focus on six key areas:

  • Artificial intelligence: generative AI, AI agents, prompt engineering and working effectively with AI.
  • Cyber security: threat simulation, defensive AI, cloud security and practical cyber skills.
  • Data analytics: business intelligence, predictive analytics, data visualisation and automation.
  • Robotics, automation and physical AI: robotics, connected devices, digital twins and spatial computing.
  • Cloud and software: cloud platforms, software workflows and programming.
  • Infrastructure and enterprise systems: networks, servers, cloud systems and secure hardware.

  The Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence will also focus on building broader digital skills across learners, educators and industry. Its focus areas will continue to evolve in response to new technology, industry needs and workforce priorities.

• How does the Centre support applied research and innovation?

  The Digital, AI and Technology Centre of Excellence will support applied research that addresses real workforce and training challenges. It brings together industry, TAFEs, universities, educators and learners to test ideas and emerging technologies.

  Research may include industry projects, practical trials, pilots, fellowships and scholarships. Findings can inform new course content, teaching resources, technology tools and training models. These resources can then be shared across the TAFE network.

  The Centre’s research priorities include artificial intelligence, cyber security, data analytics, robotics, automation, cloud and software. These priorities will evolve with industry, learner and workforce needs.

  Visit the VET Workforce Fellowship Program for information about current projects and opportunities to take part.