Coursework Prepares Professionals for RFID and the Internet of Things

The market offers both free and paid options for varied audiences and diverse needs.
Published: May 10, 2019

The expansion of the use of radio frequency identification and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies worldwide has favored the emergence of new business opportunities in these areas and, consequently, the growth of job vacancies. In the midst of this phenomenon, professionals seeking to know more about RFID and the IoT represent very different audiences, with diverse interests and needs that do not always converge.

In recent years, many people who are responsible for business areas representing various segments, and who want to prepare to manage the implementation of an RFID or IoT project, have been interested in professional courses with a focus on business benefits. Many view identification technologies as the basis for building new tools for their customers, from students to experts in areas ranging from logistics to automation and software development.

Among the best-known and sought-after sites for expertise in these areas is HP’s RFID Center of Excellence (RFID CoE), located in Sorocaba, Brazil, which has been responsible for the training of thousands of professionals. Among its courses is “New RFID Implementation,” its flagship training offering. The next scheduled class will take place on May 20-22, 2019.

This training is intended to provide adequate learning to professionals who require the expertise to deploy and utilize RFID technologies in their day-to-day operations and production operations. The course was developed by RFID CoE, the only laboratory in Brazil focused exclusively on the study of RFID technology and accredited by EPCglobal. With lectures offered by Professor Renata Rampim, this training approaches the technology from the perspective of its applications and limitations.

In July, RFID CoE’s “New RFID Middleware” course will be offered, featuring an in-depth look at the appropriate architectures, standards and platforms for the development of RFID applications. The course aims to facilitate comparisons between different vendors of middleware and tools for business processes. Lasting two days in duration, the training will be offered by Mário Prado, and is intended for engineers, systems analysts and other technical professionals.

RFID CoE also offers courses and proof of evaluation, in partnership with GS1 Brazil, to certify professionals in RFID (the only certification available in Brazil), which is a differential for the curriculum of several players in this area. For more information, and to enroll in all RFID CoE courses, click here.

Several manufacturers and suppliers in the RFID and IoT market also offer courses, especially for systems integrators, partners and other stakeholders, to show them how to deploy and operate their technologies. The courses are well-focused, and professionals interested in this training need to have close relationships with these firms or be part of an ecosystem partner company.

In addition, there are free online courses, such as the Code IoT platform, an initiative of Samsung in partnership with the Laboratory of Integral Systems Technological (LSI-TEC). Registration is open for new classes, which are divided into three stages comprising six six-week courses, offered in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Among the topics covered are an introduction to the Internet of Things, learning to program, electronics, concepts and basic components, physical programming, mobile applications, and connected smart objects.

The project benefits education professionals, as well as students and technology stakeholders. Participants who complete the proposed assignments will receive a certificate for each course, which is free of charge and intended for students and teachers. However, any interested party can register and access the contents. The membership period will begin on June 10, and the last phase will be launched on Sept. 2.

Information can be accessed here. Since the beginning of the program, more than 44,000 people have already registered to take part in the courses. “Samsung is looking for partnerships that can add to the development of education through technology, which is constantly evolving,” says Isabel Costa, Samsung Brazil’s corporate citizenship manager. “For us, it is part of our role to contribute to expanding people’s knowledge and thus to improve the workforce for the job market.”

Code IoT is a corporate citizenship program from Samsung that aims to create an environment conducive to technological development and the training of new professionals. In addition to the Code IoT platform, the partnership between Samsung and LSI-TEC also offers Code Day, a day of face-to-face training for teachers and educators, which will take place at the OCEAN USP (University of São Paulo) space. There are 70 vacancies, and upcoming events will be held on May 4, May 25, Aug. 10 and Aug. 24.

Finally, attendees at the annual RFID Journal LIVE! conference and exhibition receive the opportunity to register for RFID Professional Institute Certified Associate training. This one-day, fast-track course, presented by RFID4U, provides a solid foundation for how to design, install, configure, monitor and troubleshoot an RFID system in the field. The training prepares participants for the Institute’s Certified Associate exam, which is also delivered onsite at the event.