Kelowna workshop to help newcomers navigate AI in the workplace

The University of British Columbia Okanagan is running a pair of workshops on Saturday for immigrants to help get up to speed with the constantly changing artificial intelligence scene.

Dr. Ying Zhu, UBCO’s AI academic advisor and an association professor, said the workshops are going to help people figure out how to work with AI.

“These workshops will teach practical AI skills and help immigrants take the next steps to overcome real workplace-related challenges,” Zhu said in a UBCO media release.

AI has benefits and risks so understanding the technology helps when companies are racing to figure out how to use it to make more money, the release said.

“As an immigrant myself, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new country and navigating the job market,” Zhu said. “Many skilled immigrants face barriers to finding professional employment. At the same time, many companies are actively seeking people with AI-related skills.”

Zhu is leading the workshops with Dr. Madeleine Ransom and Dr. Julien Picault from the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

“Through these workshops, our goal is to help immigrants develop relevant, up-to-date skills that can open new career opportunities, advance their professional growth and support their successful integration into the workforce,” Zhu said. “By lowering barriers to AI education for immigrants, we can expand participation and accelerate innovation in Canada.”

There are two free workshops that will be held at the Okanagan Regional Library’s downtown Kelowna branch at 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Register for the events online here.