Automation Skills Partnership recognised as a shining example of collaboration

The Queensland Future Skills (QFS) Partnership, a training project delivered by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity, has been recognised with Silver in the Industry Collaboration category as part of the 2022 Australian Training Awards.

The awards were announced at a national event held in Adelaide and follows on from the project being awarded the Premier's Industry Collaboration Award at the Queensland Training Awards in September. 

This prestigious national training award recognises the outstanding collaboration between the project partners to design and deliver future-focused skills to the resources sector and beyond.

The gold award was taken out by the Victorian 'Arborists don't grow on trees' project, while bronze was awarded to the 'Making Tracks: Prisoner Training Pathways to Employment Success and Social Inclusion, program by the Western Australia Department of Justice. 

The QFS Partnership is a multi-million-dollar collaboration that is introducing training targeted at supporting new technologies within the resources sector, with a special focus on facilitating the fast-tracked development and delivery of new autonomy related qualifications for open-cut mining operations in Queensland.

The success of the partnership has now also seen it branch out into new sectors such as agriculture where the use of technology and automation is gaining speed.

BMA Asset President Mauro Neves said the award recognises the determination and commitment of the partners and many others involved.
"The Queensland Future Skills Partnership is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when a committed group of problem-solvers come together with a common vision and a shared commitment. 
"I am very proud that BMA have played a leadership role in building innovative training programs that will support our workforce and industry now and into the future," Mr Neves said. 
TAFE Queensland, Executive Director Robert Petherbridge said the partnership is helping to future-proof Queensland mining workforces and Queensland regional communities.
"There is often much discussion about future workforces and through the QFS Partnership we are taking action now, to deliver the skills into Queensland communities that will be needed in the next five, 10, 15 and 20 years.
"This collaborative approach to workforce preparedness is setting the standard when it comes to hi-tech skills training for industry," Mr Petherbridge said.

CQUniversity's Deputy Vice-President of Vocational Education and Training, Peter Heilbuth added that the delivery model of the partnership represented an exciting step forward when it comes to engaging with industry to develop and deliver future-focused skills training.
"CQUniversity is committed to delivering high-quality vocational training and collaborating with industry to train highly skilled workforces. Speed to market of any new training initiative is essential for industry.

"The skills being developed and delivered as part of this partnership are among some of the only programs in Australia that specifically focus on automation technologies and industry 4.0.

"Through this partnership, the training and industry partners have rapidly developed new courses, skill sets and micro-credentials which are now being delivered directly into industry and secondary schools by CQUniversity and TAFE Queensland.

"The flexible training model is now also being used to upskill current workforces and support industries outside of the METS sector that are steadily adopting technology and automation," said Mr Heilbuth.

So far, more than 87 students from 15 schools across Queensland are currently participating in the Certificate II in Autonomous Technologies training program specialising in new' digital, and autonomous technologies with the first cohort from schools across the Isaac region set to graduate later this month.

The Certificate II in Autonomous Technologies is a nationally recognised 18-month course that is an entry-level pathway program for school students.

Students who undertake training as part of the program not only receive credits towards their Senior Certificate and a nationally recognised qualification but also gain high-level skills and experience to prepare them for the jobs of the future in Industry 4.0.