10 Essential AI Skills for Engineers in 2024

As the demand for Artificial Intelligence-driven solutions continues to rise, engineers are increasingly recognizing the need to upskill in this field. Online platforms offer a wide range of courses to cater to various skill levels, from foundational concepts to advanced techniques. By acquiring AI expertise, engineers can enhance their career prospects and contribute to the development of innovative technologies.

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• Engineers Embrace Upskilling: Generative AI and Emerging Technologies Lead the Way

10 Essential AI Skills for Engineers in 2024

Whether driven by a desire for knowledge or economic necessity, engineers are continually looking to enhance their skills and remain competitive. Many technical institutes have recently introduced courses on data analysis and artificial intelligence.

However, online platforms have been offering short and degree programs for both newcomers and seasoned professionals for the past decade. According to a survey by the ed-tech platform Great Learning, 89% of respondents intend to gain hard skills this year, with AI/ML being the most popular field. Among these, 86% specifically want to upskill in Generative AI.

According to online learning platforms Coursera and Udemy, the most sought-after skills for engineers include Python programming, algorithms, artificial neural networks, data analysis, Microsoft Excel, leadership in presentations, SQL, and cybersecurity.

Over the past year, the most popular Generative AI courses in India have been “Introduction to Generative AI,” “Generative AI for Everyone,” “Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT,” and “Google AI Essentials.” Enrollment in Generative AI courses has surged by 1,648%, while machine learning courses have seen an 80% increase. Additionally, a 20% rise in enrollments has been observed in India’s most popular tech courses over the past 12 months, according to data from EdTech platforms.

The key courses available for engineers to upskill in various high-demand sectors in India are spread across several fields. In Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), popular courses include the “AI and Machine Learning Specialization,” which covers AI fundamentals, machine learning algorithms, and Python, as well as “Deep Learning,” focusing on neural networks and deep learning technologies. Additionally, “AI for India 2.0” emphasizes AI concepts tailored to Indian industry applications.

For Data Science and Big Data Analytics, the “PG Program in Data Science” delves into data science, machine learning, R, and Python, while “Data Analytics with Python” covers data analysis, Python, Pandas, and data visualization. Those interested in big data can explore “Big Data Engineering,” focusing on Hadoop, Spark, and data management.

Cloud Computing and DevOps also offer valuable upskilling opportunities. The “AWS Solutions Architect Certification” provides knowledge on cloud infrastructure, AWS services, and security, while “Microsoft Azure Fundamentals” focuses on Azure architecture, security, and networking. The “DevOps Practitioner Certification” includes tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and Git.

In cybersecurity, engineers can enhance their skills through the “Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)” course, covering ethical hacking and penetration testing, or the “CompTIA Security+ Certification” for fundamentals in cybersecurity, network security, and risk management. The “Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)” is geared toward information security management and advanced cybersecurity principles.

For Full-Stack Web Development, popular courses like “Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp” teach HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, and MongoDB. Front-end development enthusiasts can explore “ReactJS and AngularJS,” which focuses on the React and Angular frameworks.

Blockchain technology also offers specialized courses like “Certified Blockchain Developer,” covering blockchain basics, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized applications (DApps), along with a “Blockchain Certification Program,” which focuses on smart contracts and cryptography.

In the field of Robotics and Automation, the “Robotics Process Automation (RPA) Certification” covers tools such as Blue Prism and UiPath, while “Industrial Automation” explores PLC, SCADA, and robotics in manufacturing. For the Internet of Things (IoT), courses like “IoT Certification Training” and “IoT Specialization” teach IoT fundamentals, embedded systems, and communication protocols.

Engineers interested in renewable energy can explore courses such as “Solar Energy Engineering,” which covers solar power systems and PV technology, or the “Wind Energy Certification,” focused on wind turbines and renewable energy systems.

For VLSI Design and Embedded Systems, the “VLSI Design and Verification” course focuses on VLSI design, circuit simulation, and semiconductor technologies, while “Embedded Systems Design” covers microcontrollers and C programming.

In the field of Automation and Industrial Skills, “Siemens PLC Programming” focuses on industrial automation and control systems, while “CNC Programming & AutoCAD” teaches CNC machine programming and AutoCAD design.

For software and mobile app development, courses like “Android Development with Kotlin” and “iOS Development” cover app development with Kotlin and Swift, respectively.

In terms of soft skills and management, engineers can pursue certifications like “Project Management Professional (PMP),” which covers project management, agile methodologies, and leadership, or “Six Sigma Green Belt Certification,” focused on process improvement and quality management. “Communication Skills for Engineers” enhances collaboration and leadership abilities.

Lastly, the growing 5G technology sector offers the course “5G Essentials for Engineers,” which covers 5G networks, telecommunications, and wireless communication technologies.

In the past 12 months, several popular electrical and mechanical engineering courses have seen a 10% rise in enrollments. Mechanical engineering students are increasingly interested in courses such as 3D CAD fundamentals, robotics (specifically aerial robotics), cybersecurity in manufacturing, and machine design to enhance their skills.

In the electrical engineering field, courses like computer architecture, 5G for Everyone, and approximation methods are gaining traction. Additionally, engineers are opting for some unconventional courses to improve their skill sets, including introduction to computers, office productivity software, Everyday Excel, effective problem-solving and decision-making, and emotional and social intelligence.

Engineers Embrace Upskilling: Generative AI and Emerging Technologies Lead the Way

Engineers are continually upskilling to stay competitive, with AI and data analysis courses gaining popularity. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer both short and degree programs for professionals. A survey by Great Learning shows 89% of respondents plan to gain hard skills, with 86% focusing on Generative AI. Generative AI courses, such as “Introduction to Generative AI” and “Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT,” have surged in demand. High-demand fields include AI/ML, data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and full-stack web development. Key certifications include AWS Solutions Architect, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and PMP (Project Management Professional).

Blockchain, robotics, IoT, renewable energy, and industrial automation are growing upskilling areas. Mechanical and electrical engineers are enrolling in trending courses like 3D CAD, 5G, and cybersecurity in manufacturing. Soft skills and management courses, including Six Sigma and leadership training, are also gaining traction. The demand for 5G technology training is rising, with courses covering networks, telecommunications, and wireless tech. Online learning platforms report a significant increase in enrollments, particularly in AI and emerging technologies.