Common Questions: Machine Learning Technician Certification I

The next cohort of our Machine Learning Technician Certification I starts learning on January 12, 2021.

Below, you'll find answers to the most common questions we receive about the course. You can also download the program guide to find answers to these and other questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the application deadline?
• How long after I apply can I expect a response?
• How much is the course tuition for the ML Technician Course?
• What prerequisite skills do I need to take the ML Technician Course?
• What is the time commitment?
• What if I miss a class lecture or a lab?
• What are the course modules?
• What financial assistance is available?
• How do I apply for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant?
• Will I be guaranteed a job after taking the ML Technician Program?
• Can I speak with a past graduate about the program?

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for applications and tuition payment is 5:00 pm MDT on January 6, 2021.

How long after I apply can I expect a response?

You will receive an email response regarding your application status within 10 working days (Note: Christmas Day and New Year's Day are counted as non-working days).

How much is the course tuition for the ML Technician Course?

The course is $4995.00 + GST CAD.

What prerequisite skills do I need to take the ML Technician Course?

This course was created to upskill anyone with a basic technical skillset. For example, if you have previously obtained an engineering degree, you will already have the numerical sense necessary for acquiring knowledge of machine learning.

In addition, we expect the learner will have background and experience with the following skills and concepts:

• Programming in Python
• Matrix calculations
• Probabilistic reasoning

What is the time commitment?

You should expect to make 6 - 9 hours per week available for course instruction and work.

Course Dates:

• January 12, 2021 – April 2, 2021

Class Lectures:

• Tuesdays & Thursdays – 6:00 pm - 8:15 pm MST

Class Labs:

• Fridays – 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm MST
• Some Saturdays – 10:00 am - 1:00 pm MST

What if I miss a class lecture or a lab?

While it is our hope that you will be able to make as much of the class time as possible, we understand that emergencies can arise.

At this time, class lectures will not be recorded or shared. We encourage you to connect with fellow classmates, read the lecture slides (which will be shared prior to each class), and connect with the instructors via Slack if you have any questions.

Lab times are a great opportunity to practice your skills and can also be used to ask catch-up questions if you miss a lecture.

In general, if you know you will be missing a class, please notify the instructors via Slack as soon as possible, and they will work with you to determine the best next steps.

What are the course modules?

• Week 1 - 2: Foundations of ML
• Week 2 - 5: Foundations of Applied ML
• Week 6 - 7: Decision Trees and Evaluation
• Week 8 - 9: Data Cleaning
• Week 10: k-Nearest Neighbours
• Week 11 - 12: Regression
• Week 13: Final Project Presentations

What financial assistance is available?

The program is available for two-thirds reimbursement through the Canada-Alberta Job Grant. Additionally, you can choose to pay your course tuition via three equal payments of $1,665.00 over three months.

Please note: scholarship applications closed on November 30, 2020.

How do I apply for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant?

The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is available for non-government employees living in Alberta, Canada.

To apply for this assistance, your employer must begin the process, following the steps outlined in the Applicant Guide (.pdf). On average, the processing time to hear back regarding your application is 2 working weeks.

If you have any questions regarding the grant, please contact the Grant Processing Centre directly at 780-638-9424 or jobgrant@gov.ab.ca.

Will I be guaranteed a job after taking the ML Technician Program?

While job placement is not guaranteed after taking the ML Technician program, you will receive frequent invitations to local meetups and networking events, as well as an invitation to join Edmonton-based AI/ML and startup Slack workspaces, which have highly active job boards.

You can also expect ample networking time with peers, opportunities to connect with the larger Amii community, and an opportunity to present a capstone project to leaders in the AI/ML ecosystem - an excellent resume building opportunity and chance to receive personal feedback.

In addition to this, due to the close connections Amii has with local AI companies, we have often been able to share job opportunities from companies such as Borealis AI, Jobber, DrugBank, AltaML, and DeepMind.

Can I speak with a past graduate about the program?

To learn more about the student experience and hear from one of our alumnae, please read our Case Study!