The Queensland Government is expanding its AI micro-credential programme for small and family businesses to Ipswich, following strong interest in the initiative’s first delivery phase in Cairns. The courses, delivered in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast, are intended to help business owners and employees develop practical skills in artificial intelligence, workforce planning and operational resilience. Details of the programme were outlined in an official government statement.
The initiative forms part of the Queensland Government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement, which aims to strengthen capability among smaller enterprises across the state. The programme combines in-person training in Ipswich with online participation options to improve access for businesses in regional and remote communities.
AI and business capability courses for local enterprises
The micro-credential programme includes four courses focused on practical business needs: Leveraging AI, Business Planning, Continuity and Resilience, and Workforce Development. The courses are designed to provide immediately applicable skills that can support productivity, operational planning and workforce preparedness.
The expansion reflects growing interest among Australian organisations in digital capability development and applied AI skills. Other initiatives across the country, including programmes supporting adult educator training to bridge the digital divide, have also focused on improving practical digital literacy and workforce readiness.
According to the Queensland Government, Ipswich is home to more than 13,500 small businesses, which play an important role in local employment and economic activity. The government said the training initiative is intended to support these enterprises as they adapt to changing technologies and market conditions.
“These courses are designed to give small business owners and employees skills they can apply immediately in their day-to-day operations, helping small businesses to strengthen productivity, improve decision-making and prepare for future growth,” Steve Minnikin, Minister for Small and Family Business, Queensland Government
Focus on resilience and workforce preparedness
In addition to AI-focused learning, the programme places emphasis on business continuity and workforce development. These areas are increasingly important for small enterprises responding to economic uncertainty, labour shortages and digital transformation pressures.
The government said participants would be able to use the training to improve decision-making, strengthen organisational resilience and identify opportunities for future growth. The inclusion of online learning options is also intended to increase participation among businesses that may face geographical or scheduling constraints.
Broader efforts to strengthen digital capability are also emerging in other sectors. Recent initiatives supporting digital technology collaboration in renewable energy and international partnerships focused on digital talent development have highlighted the growing importance of workforce skills linked to AI and emerging technologies.
“We want to give local businesses the skills they can apply immediately, whether that’s making better use of AI, strengthening their workforce, improving resilience, or planning for growth. The strong demand for this program shows Queensland small businesses are eager to embrace practical tools like artificial intelligence.” Steve Minnikin, Minister for Small and Family Business, Queensland Government
Further regional delivery planned
The Queensland Government said additional courses and more face-to-face delivery options in regional locations are planned for 2027. The staged expansion is expected to widen access to skills training for small and family businesses across the state.
The programme reflects increasing public-sector interest in supporting smaller enterprises with practical AI capability, particularly in areas such as workforce planning, operational resilience and digital adoption.
This article is created with the assistance of OpenGov AI.