Partnership to boost additive manufacturing capabilities

Additive manufacturing – described as the more complex and industrial-scale implementation of 3D printing manufacturing techniques – is on the rise across Australia and the globe, with industry experts SmarTech Analysis forecasting the market to be worth $37 billion by 2025. To support the forecasted growth in domestic capabilities in this area, two class-leaders have signed a landmark partnership.

Core Additive, an Australian leader in the sale, support, and supply of class-leading Markforged additive manufacturing equipment, have teamed up with renowned Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider TAFE Queensland to increase Queensland and Australian capabilities in the additive and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The agreement sees Core Additive and TAFE Queensland committing to a two-year collaboration set to accelerate the development of training programs specific to the 3D printing, composites, and additive manufacturing industries. Key training programs for local industry members will ensure Queensland and Australian businesses do not fall behind in the age of advanced and additive manufacturing.

TAFE Queensland Business Development Manager of Emerging Industries Shawn O’Sullivan said as the largest training provider in the Sunshine State, TAFE Queensland has the resources required to support the growing need for training in the industry and are excited to help shape the next generation of skilled manufacturers.

“TAFE Queensland is constantly developing and adapting training to meet the current and future needs of the industries we service. Our teachers are experts with deep connections to their industries and they provide training across 60 campus locations from Cairns to Coolangatta and out to Mt Isa with industry-standard equipment and materials,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“This partnership is one of many that TAFE Queensland holds across a range of industry sectors to develop the training needed to future-proof local industries. With a class-leading advisor in Core Additive, we can develop training safe in the knowledge that it is what serves Queenslanders best,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer at Core Additive, James Staples, echoed Mr O’Sullivan’s remarks, saying TAFE Queensland was an obvious choice for developing top-quality training for Queenslanders looking to work in the rapidly growing additive manufacturing industry.

“We are proud to partner with TAFE Queensland, who deliver quality training to industry members across the State. To be involved in training development as an industry representative and subject matter expert is a testament to the work we are doing at Core Additive,” Mr Staples said.

“We are excited to see what this partnership can deliver across the next two years and know we have chosen a like-minded partner in TAFE Queensland that will work to ensure this industry is supported by necessary training in years to come,” he said.

TAFE Queensland is proud to be the market leader for Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Queensland, working with Government and industry to develop the critical training needed to support Queensland's future workforces and economy. As part of the Queensland Government’s VET Emerging Industries initiative, which sees $15 million invested in new skills and training strategies across identified emerging industry needs in the manufacturing, energy, agribusiness, and screen and digital sectors, this training development is a clear demonstration of how TAFE Queensland is connecting Queenslanders with the work they want and supporting employers to grow stronger workforces.