A Virtual Ship Engine Room has been developed by TAFE SA to support the training of South Australia's shipbuilding workforce.
In the coming years, South Australia will need thousands of skilled workers to meet the needs of the $90 billion pipeline of defence work from the Commonwealth, with TAFE SA playing a significant role in skilling the required workforce required for the upcoming jobs boom.
In a cutting edge partnership, TAFE SA has collaborated with Odyssee Aus Engineers to build the virtual reality technology, which allows students to explore a submarine engine room and immerse themselves in real-world shipbuilding scenarios and challenges.
It is expected that the new technology, which will be incorporated into training in the Diploma of Engineering Technical, will attract a wave of young people to consider a career in 3D computer-aided design (CAD) for shipbuilding.
Premier Steven Marshall said it was another example of South Australians being well placed for jobs in the shipbuilding industry.
"South Australia is the defence capital of the nation. The $90 billion defence spend from the Commonwealth is creating a pipeline of jobs for decades to come, which will be critical in the state's economic recovery from the global coronavirus pandemic," said Premier Marshall.
"Technology like this will ensure we have the skilled workforce to meet the needs of the massive defence jobs boom we are presented with.
"This partnership is another example of TAFE SA working with industry to deliver critical training for South Australians that meet the needs of critical industries for our state and lead to real jobs."
Education Minister John Gardner said the partnership was an example of TAFE SA developing innovative ways to upskill the shipbuilding workforce.
"TAFE SA is playing its part in ensuring there is a skilled workforce ready to support the shipbuilding and defence jobs boom," said Minister Gardner.
"This partnership is delivering an innovative opportunity for South Australians to develop the skills these industries need, utilising digital technology to maximise learning.
"We know that interest in TAFE courses has increased across the board, at such a critical time for South Australians to consider reskilling or upskilling, and students can have every confidence that TAFE is working hard deliver the high quality training that industry needs."
TAFE SA Chief Executive, David Coltman, said that this is another example of a partnership with industry that would provide many benefits to TAFE SA and its students.
"We are delighted to have worked with Odyssee Aus Engineers to develop and deliver this new digital learning opportunity for our students and those interested in the naval shipbuilding industry," said Mr Coltman.
"The convenience of being able to have access and explore a 3D virtual environment of a ship's engine room will provide invaluable context and build student understanding of the complex systems and constraints that need to be taken into account when designing naval vessel interiors."
Director of Odyssee Aus, Eric Fusil, said that his local company was delighted to have this opportunity to develop 3D learning materials for the shipbuilding industry.
"The 3D CAD model of the engine room of a vessel is a first step in delivering the right skills for the detailed design work that will be required for the Hunter Class Frigate and Attack Class Submarines," said Mr Fusil.
"TAFE SA students will thrive in solving design challenges in the Virtual Engine Room, which can also be explored on the desktop and through Virtual Reality technology.
"Through delivering this training with innovative tools, such as augmented reality and authentic ship compartment designs, it means these designers will understand production techniques, and get things right on the first attempt, saving industry massive costs."
More information about the learning resources available for the defence industry are available on the TAFE SA website.
