TAFE Queensland has launched a new Associate Degree in Applied Technologies aimed at strengthening skills across advanced industries including manufacturing, as demand grows for workers with digital and automation capabilities.
According to TAFE Queensland, the future-focused higher-education qualification was developed in collaboration with industry partners through the Queensland Future Skills (QFS) Partnership, led by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), with TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity serving as education partners.
The course was designed to address workforce needs across sectors including resources, manufacturing and automation, reflecting collaboration between government, industry and education stakeholders to develop a learning pathway aligned with emerging industry requirements.
The Associate Degree forms part of the Higher-Level Skills Gap initiative under the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan (QRIDP), a $2.1 million investment aimed at expanding higher-education pathways for people seeking careers in automation and emerging technologies.
TAFE Queensland said the investment has supported the development of three Associate Degrees and two Bachelor programs created in consultation with industry partners to ensure they reflect real-world operational needs.
The Queensland Government, through the Department of Trade, Employment and Training and the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, is supporting the initiative by funding the first pilot cohort of 20 participants undertaking the Associate Degree in Applied Technologies as part of the QRIDP Higher-Level Skills Gap project.
The inaugural group includes employees from companies such as Glencore, Komatsu and Hastings Deering, organisations that also contributed to shaping the course design, learning outcomes and practical training components.
TAFE Queensland Executive member Robert Petherbridge said the qualification is intended to help develop the skills needed for the state’s evolving workforce.
“This Associate Degree has been designed with industry, for industry, ensuring that every graduate is equipped with the specialised, hands-on skills employers need right now and into the future,” Petherbridge said.
“Through strong partnerships with government and leading industry organisations like BMA, Hastings Deering, Komatsu and Glencore, we are creating pathways that respond directly to Queensland’s emerging digital and automation landscape,” he said.
Brad Prytherch, BMA General Manager Integrated Operations and chair of the Queensland Future Skills Partnership Steering Committee, said the program reflects ongoing efforts to build technical capability within key industries.
“Despite challenging conditions in Queensland’s coal industry at present, BMA is proud to support programs that build skills for the future while also keeping regional talent in regional jobs,” Prytherch said.
“This partnership shows what’s possible when industry, government and education work together, with a shared goal, to prepare for the future.”
Petherbridge said the QFS Partnership continues to focus on developing training pathways linked to automated technologies and advanced industrial operations.
“This workforce development program shows what is possible when industry, government and education providers come together with a shared vision,” he said.
“The Queensland Government’s investment through the QRIDP, alongside the leadership of the QFS Partnership and industry partners, has resulted in a qualification that will create real employment opportunities for Queenslanders while supporting industry productivity and innovation.”
More information about the Associate Degree in Applied Technologies is available through TAFE Queensland.
