Automation Skills Partnership scoops Premier’s Industry Collaboration Award

The award was delivered at a gala ceremony held on Saturday, 17 September and recognised the outstanding collaboration between the project partners to design and deliver future-focused skills to the resources sector and beyond.

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 in 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.  

“What we have developed with our partners – CQUniversity and TAFE Queensland - and the many industry, government and community participants goes beyond what BMA could have anticipated.

"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,” said Mr Neves.  

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,” said Mr Petherbridge.

CQUniversity’s Deputy Vice-President, Vocational Education and Training, Mr 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 80 students in from five schools across Queensland are currently participating in the Certificate II in Autonomous Technologies training program specialising in new, digital, and autonomous technologies.

Students who undertake training as part of the program and will 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.