Companies in the high-tech and manufacturing industries know that data and AI offer opportunities, but in practice they often get stuck on the same question: where do you start? This is exactly where Pipple and Mikrocentrum come together. For several years now, Pipple’s data and AI specialists have been providing training courses at Mikrocentrum, with the aim of helping professionals get started with machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). It’s a collaboration that revolves around sharing knowledge, practical experience, and continuing to develop together.
Focus on knowledge and interaction
Mikrocentrum has been in existence for 58 years and has grown into an independent knowledge and network organization for the high-tech and manufacturing industry. With training courses, events, and the High Tech Platform as a meeting place for techies, Mikrocentrum brings professionals and companies together. Program Manager Education Erik van den Putte sums it up nicely: “You can get knowledge from anywhere, but we want to be an accelerator. You are given knowledge and can immediately put it to use.”
This acceleration is found not only in the content, but also in the form. Training courses at Mikrocentrum are often classroom-based and blended: participants prepare in advance, after which there is plenty of room for practice, interaction, and in-depth study during the course. “Training is people work,” says Erik. “That’s why we work with experts from the field who enjoy passing on their knowledge.”
From demand to concrete training programs
The collaboration with Pipple arose from a clear market demand. AI was – and still is – high on the agenda at many companies. Organizations are wondering what AI, as well as data science and machine learning, can do for them, how they can get started with it, and what knowledge is required to do so. Mikrocentrum went in search of a knowledge partner in this field and ended up at Pipple.
Together, they developed two training courses for different target groups: Data Science & Machine Learning for Managers (formerly AI for Managers) and Machine Learning for Engineers (formerly AI for Engineers). The management course focuses on understanding the possibilities of AI and setting up data science and machine learning projects within the organization. The engineer training also provides insight into what AI actually is, but is also hands-on and technical: participants get to work with the Python programming software and go home with concrete ideas for getting started with machine learning and AI within their organization. “Two target groups, one theme,” says Erik. “And Pipple had the expertise and the people to do it right.”
Developing and improving together
It’s the joint ownership that makes this partnership special. Pipple and Mikrocentrum regularly get together to keep developing the courses. Feedback from participants and teachers is the basis for this. “The world of data science and AI is changing fast,” says Erik. “So you have to keep adapting. We really do that together.”
The way of working together is also important. There is a single point of contact, a fixed pool of teachers, and short lines of communication. This makes it easy to switch gears and ensures continuity in quality. “A teacher can make or break a course,” emphasizes Erik. “That’s why we think it’s important to get to know our teachers. The great thing about the people at Pipple is that they not only have substantive knowledge, but also practical experience with many different clients. They bring that wealth of experience into the classroom, so that examples, discussions, and exercises directly relate to situations that participants recognize from their own organizations.”
Intrinsic motivation to share knowledge
For Pipple, providing training courses is a conscious choice. In addition to carrying out data and AI projects for clients, the consultants find it important and enjoyable to share their knowledge. This intrinsic motivation is palpable in the training courses and is also appreciated by participants. Evaluations describe the courses as comprehensive, practical, and well-balanced between theory and application. With ratings around 9, they demonstrate the strength of this collaboration.
Win-win for the future
The collaboration between Pipple and Mikrocentrum is a real win-win. Together, they help professionals to see AI, data science, and machine learning not as a magical remedy, but as a concrete and applicable tool. Participants learn which type of AI or machine learning model suits their needs, what is required to implement it, and where the limitations lie. They go home with realistic ideas, sometimes with initial practical experience, and with renewed enthusiasm to get started with AI themselves. It is precisely this practical approach that provides the acceleration the sector is calling for.
Want to know more? Read the article about Sanne’s experience as a trainer.
