Skills Lab has launched a nationally accredited course to upskill the Australian workforce in the use of smart manufacturing technology and the navigation of a data-driven ecosystem.
Skills Lab has partnered with Ai Group and a number of TAFEs across Australia to deliver the nation’s first industry-based Diploma of Applied technologies, supporting top-tier and mid-market manufacturers in their pursuit of a future focused and innovative workforce. Students in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland have commenced the study of units including ‘Working in Industry 4.0’ to support them in navigating their rapidly changing workplaces.
While COVID-19 has thrust a light upon the need to move quickly towards new technologies and initiatives, it has been a focus for many companies already. The CSIRO NAB Australian National Outlook 2019 suggested 20% of predicted GDP growth could be attributed to investment in human capital, according to their vision of a preferred 2060 outlook, which calls for a digitally upskilled workforce.
Course modules delivered in the diploma produce immediate benefit for businesses as students research and solve current problems using emerging technology. Students will design and troubleshoot the development of a range of advanced technology systems, including cyber physical equipment.
“The project-based learning builds throughout the diploma, starting with an overview of the concepts and principles of working in Industry 4.0 (i4.0),” said Peter Rundle-Curry, Skills Lab Trainer and Instructional Designer. “The culmination of the training will involve the design and manufacture of a cyber-physical sensor which will connect to the i4.0 environment through an edge device. The project encourages innovation and adaptation of i4.0 technologies into their current workplace.”
Trainers for Skills Lab bring a wealth of industry maturity to the diploma, with access to the knowledge base and the manufacturing expertise of SAGE Group engineers and technicians. A comprehensive knowledge of the new manufacturing value chain has been built through the development of an industry leading in-house manufacturing facility and an extensive portfolio of automation projects.
The Diploma is resourced with industry-leading technology, with students gaining real-time experience in workplace problem-solving for their current employers. A range of practical assessment tools will be used to track learning that can be contextualised to add value to manufacturing clients through a focus on fully connected systems that boost uptime and increase responsiveness to customers.
The diploma will also have a strong focus on communication skills, with students encouraged to collaborate across teams to innovate, and to find digital solutions for manufacturing challenges such as maintaining cost efficiency and product flexibility.
“We want to build on communication skills and bring people together to think about how we problem solve things not just in their own way, but to think about what they could be doing differently to enable new ways of working,” said Laura Mabikafola, Skills Lab General Manager.
Skills Lab is positioned to provide a specialised solution for those wanting to improve their digital skills while continuing to work within current restrictions, with the systems delivery model allowing for flexible time frames and tailored content specific for individual business needs. The cyber-physical training allows for remote learning with the unique support of live facilitated training. The sophisticated software enables active participation while learning with real-time guidance from trainers.
The Diploma will be delivered over a period of one to three years, providing graduates with hands-on experience and an industry recognisable qualification. Off-job training will be delivered in blocks, or via a part-time option that supports local industry requirements.