Guidance for staff training on AI
Version 2.0
Use the following information to support your agency's implementation of the policy for responsible use of AI in government.
The policy recognises that AI is used in many areas of the APS and everyday life. As adoption grows, staff at all levels will interact with AI and its outputs, directly or indirectly.
The policy requires agencies to implement mandatory training for all staff on responsible and ethical AI use, regardless of their role. Agencies should also consider if it is appropriate for staff to complete annual refresher training.
Foundational AI training
Foundational training focused on responsible and ethical AI use should address the following learning outcomes:
Introduction to AI
- identify different types of AI and their functions
- recognise AI in everyday tools and services.
Generative AI
- understand how generative AI works
- use clear prompts and verify outputs
Foundations of safe and responsible AI use
- recognise the importance of ethical AI use
- understand how to remain accountable for AI use
- appropriate management of security classified, personal and sensitive information
- understand how AI ethics principles should be applied in practice, including how to manage AI for accuracy, bias, sensitivity and transparency
The training must align with the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government, Australia’s AI Ethics Principles and expectations such as Australia’s Public Service Values and Code of Conduct.
AI fundamentals training
The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has developed AI fundamentals training for agency use. This training meets the learning outcomes described above for foundational AI training and can be used to satisfy the policy requirement for staff training.
The training will be updated periodically to address changes in the AI landscape, such as evolutions in the technology and its use in government.
As staff will likely interact with generative AI now and in the future, it is an area of focus for the training.
The training is designed for all staff regardless of their experience using AI. It takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
It does not cover advanced topics such as model training, system development or instructions for specific technologies or platforms.
Implement the training
Agencies’ Learning and Development specialists can access the training for download through the APS Learning Bank. The training is provided in a format compatible with most e-learning platforms. Alternatively, agencies can choose to let their staff access the module directly through APSLearn.
Agencies can use the training module as provided, or choose to modify it or incorporate it into an existing training program based on their specific context and requirements.
Agencies are encouraged to consider additional training for staff in consideration of their roles and responsibilities, such as those responsible for the procurement, development, training and deployment of AI systems.
Report completion rates
Where an agency implements the training, accountable officials should monitor completion rates and provide this information if requested by the DTA. This is in line with the activities to measure the implementation of the policy under the Standard for accountability.
Questions about implementation
Agencies can contact the DTA with questions about implementing the training by emailing ai@dta.gov.au.
Use this training in your organisation
This training is licenced under the CC BY 4.0 licence. It has been made public both in the interest of transparency and to benefit the wider community.
APS departments and agencies
If your organisation is part of the Australian Public Service, do not download these files.
Follow the above instructions to access the training module from APS Learning Bank or APSLearn to receive updates to the training when they are issued.
If you are outside the Australian Public Service (including if you are outside Australia)
We have developed a version of this training that is not limited by location. As this version of the training module was originally developed for and by the Australian Government to support the implementation of the Policy for the responsible use of AI in government, it still refers to some Australian Government specific resources that may not be applicable in your place of work or jurisdiction.