Curtis Chappell is one of the first two people in the world to complete the Advanced Diploma of Applied Blockchain, the first-ever globally accredited blockchain course in Australia, created by Blockchain Collective. From here, Curtis would become one of the first of three graduates to teach about blockchain.

MEETING BLOCKCHAIN THROUGH BITCOIN

In 2016, while Curtis was investing gold and silver, he discovered cryptocurrency. After doing some study, by 2017, Curtis was investing in bitcoin, and later on, in Ethereum, as it was coming out that year. During this period, the concepts of ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) and smart contracts were becoming realities. At this time, Curtis became interested in how cryptocurrencies were operating, using a system called the blockchain. He started studying YouTube videos and white papers about blockchain technology. He even started his own YouTube channel delving into the economics of passive income possibilities.

Then in 2018, often dubbed the “Crypto Winter,” the value of bitcoin and all other cryptocurrencies would continuously fall for several months. Despite this, a three-day conference called “Block Consciousness” was happening in Brisbane that year. Attendance at the conference cost $500, but Curtis decided to attend out of curiosity to meet other people interested in blockchain. By some twist of fate, Curtis met Nathan and Austin, founders of Blockchain Collective.

THE FIRST BLOCKCHAIN DIPLOMA COURSE

During the conference, Nathan and Austin were just coming out with the first diploma courses of blockchain not just in Australia but globally. Curtis was greatly interested, and with his background as a finance expert and trainer, he struck a deal with Nathan and Austin. If Curtis could graduate from the diploma course, he would become a teacher of applied blockchain.

Of course, being in his 50s, and having no software development background Curtis saw the challenge of the course as a new learning process that pushed him out of his comfort zone. But he quickly realized that he did not need a technical coding background to complete this course and he saw beyond the challenges the many benefits that blockchain would give if applied to businesses. He also noticed that the blockchain diploma course would not only teach students about blockchain, but it would teach a new age in technology. After all, and in reality, Curtis realised that blockchain had to do with many applications and software on top of the actual blockchain.

TAKING THE COURSE

The Advanced Diploma of Applied Blockchain is termed a level six-course in Australia. Graduating from this course will mean a lot of pages of documentation, similar to doing an MBA. However, unlike traditional classroom courses, taking up a blockchain diploma course implies that teachers aren’t there to handhold or spoon-feed the students even during basic concept learning. It deals more with practical applications and problem-solving.

Curtis further states that even if one doesn’t have a fundamental background in applications or web development, one can still take the blockchain course. After all, he provides the argument that when you first take up an engineering course or finance course, you don’t have any background in engineering and commerce, and yet you get to graduate. Curtis took nine months to finish the course, starting in May 2019 and finishing in February 2020. On average, students can complete the course in 12-18 months, depending on the individual’s circumstances.

BECOMING A TEACHER OF BLOCKCHAIN

After finishing the course, Curtis went on to teach applied blockchain and identified that teaching applied blockchain, was like learning – and teaching – consultancy because this is where many blockchain graduates are sure to go. Students have to learn how to research a specific business model (usually the client’s business model), creating the blockchain application for it, and being able to show the client how it will work and create a new flow of value.

One aspect of learning in applying blockchain is understanding and building a network operations framework. You will need to do this in actuality on a mock project. This is the framework that makes the blockchain application work. So whether you select a mock project such as real estate, wine provenance, or simply automating the printing process in your office, you need to learn to experience networking. And then there’s doing the application and making the blockchain work on that specific business model.

ADVANTAGES OF BLOCKCHAIN

Curtis adds that students graduating from a blockchain course can either go “jack-of-all-trades” as a consultant or specialise in a specific business or blockchain field. These specialties can include using blockchain for security purposes, smart contracts, automated payment solutions, and many more. Some students will find that specialising in one protocol eventually marks them as specialists in a certain protocol.

Blockchain offers so many endless opportunities covering business analysis, consultancy, strategic marketing and financing, education, project management, cybersecurity, and much, much more. You can even apply for a blockchain company and become a sales marketing officer to the market blockchain.

As of this interview, Curtis has helped launch a new six-week course on blockchain and is in the process of helping launch short courses in Dubai and Sweden. Still, Curtis advises people who are seriously into blockchain to take up the advanced diploma and diploma courses created by Blockchain Collective. Curtis further adds that what is happening now with blockchain technology is similar to what happened in the late 1990s when the internet was just breaking out. People were still trying to figure out things such as AOL, websites, hardware, software, etc.

Blockchain Collective

Blockchain Collective is an advanced education body founded in 2018. It has since been working with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Universities to deliver a high and applicable standard of blockchain education that will empower all students and professionals taking its diploma courses with the necessary skills and knowledge for a future in applied blockchain technology.

The 10747NAT Advanced Diploma of Applied Blockchain is the first-ever in Australia and globally created by Blockchain Collective. This course, as well as the 10849NAT Diploma of Applied Blockchain, also created by Blockchain Collective, are designed to equip people willing to gain knowledge and experience in applying blockchain frameworks to any kind of business model. For inquiries, you can call +61(7)3186 1013, or click HERE