Tech training firm AIFirst planning expanded presence in Cebu, Iloilo

AIFIRST, an artificial intelligence (AI) training provider, is seeking to expand its footprint in Cebu and Iloilo, its founder said.

“The goal is to expand and see what the uptake is like there,” AIFirst Chief Executive Officer and Founder Carlo Almendral said during the launch of the AIFirst Institute on Tuesday.

AIFirst provides hands-on AI bootcamps and founder support to help individuals harness AI effectively.

With the launch of the AIFirst Institute, the organization is looking to train workers based in Cebu and Iloilo, Mr. Almendral said.

It has noted the rapid growth of office developments and educational institutions outside Metro Manila, catering to key industries like finance, healthcare, education, and business process outsourcing.

“The Institute is set to transform the landscape of professional development by offering a comprehensive suite of AI certification programs while generating sustainable funding for nonprofits and corporate social responsibility initiatives,” it said in a statement.

The AIFirst Institute offers 16 AI-specialized programs pitched to college students and professionals across all industries.

AIFirst also offers an executive and professional track with courses like an AI Engineering Bootcamp, AI for Executives and Business Owners programs, and AI courses for HR Professionals, and Data Analysis.

The training programs charge between P1,000 and P50,000, and last from one day to two weeks.

“In the future, people will have to be their own consultants. They’ll have to run their own businesses and be freelancers,” Mr. Almendral said.

“The earlier we get people to learn stuff like AI, the further they can get ahead,” he added. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz