A new higher apprenticeship pathway for careers in high tech industries, the first of its kind in Australia, will be launched this week, in a boost for skilled jobs and industry in SA.
Skills Lab will deliver the Diploma of Applied Technologies in conjunction with several outstanding South Australian organisations, with the Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni launching the groundbreaking pilot program today, which will see the upskilling of workers in the digital skills needed for Industry 4.0.
The participating companies in the first intake are:
- Redarc
- Treasury Wine Estates
- Philmac
- Vinpac
- Sandvik
- SAGE Automation
"These organisations have committed to upskilling existing workers during these challenging times and building the digital skills required to maximise opportunities through a connected world with Industry 4.0," Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said.
"As a State Government, we're focused on coming through this pandemic stronger than before, and it's why we're supporting industry through programs such as this, to deliver the skills required to boost the growth sectors which South Australia is rapidly developing – cyber security, defence, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the creative industries, and robotics, amongst others.
"This the first vocational education pathway in these high-tech sectors in the country, and some participants may take the opportunity to continue onto a university pathway upon completion of the Diploma.
"The Marshall Government commends the work of Skills Lab in leading this program which will be delivered through a combination of online learning, virtual learning – including real-time connection with Skills Lab's training rigs – and workplace-based training.
"All of this complements the Marshall Government's vision and implementation of SA leading the way in technological expertise, including the establishment of Lot Fourteen as a hub for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in technology and the creative industries.
"Through collaboration across government, industry and the training sector, we will deliver exciting and rewarding careers for South Australians at the cutting edge of the future economy."
Skills Lab General Manager Laura Mabikafola said: "Industry 4.0 is essentially the next industrial revolution we are entering as a result of connected technology and we are thrilled to be equipping industry with these digital skills.
"It has been a pleasure working with Ai Group, the Department for Innovation and Skills, TAFE SA and Flinders University, and to now be launching the Diploma of Applied Technologies in South Australia, the first state in the country to deliver this VET qualification.
"This is an incredibly exciting, leading edge, nationally accredited course, highly beneficial for those organisations wanting to invest in building the skills needed to equip for the future," said Ms Mabikafola.
To find out more about the Diploma of Applied Technologies visit: www.skills.sa.gov.au/
