Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub
The Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub is jointly funded by the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships, Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and Regional Development Australia, and is being delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government, TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity Australia.
Working with industry experts, community organisations and government since early 2022, the aim of the Hub is to establish and support new ways of attracting, skilling, upskilling, retaining and growing local workforces through the identification of a broad suite of new and updated skills and workforce programs.
Micro-credentials
The Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub offers a range of micro-credentials that are developed in partnership with industry and designed to provide valuable information on new and emerging areas. The purpose of these micro-credentials is to enable participants to learn more about working in the aquaculture and agriculture industries. Delivered online via a self-paced delivery mode, micro-credentials offer a flexible and accessible way to study and gain a recognised learning outcome and digital badge.
Micro-credentials are self paced, delivered via TAFE Queensland's Learning Management System, and have been categorised into three main areas:
These micro-credentials focus on working effectively in the agriculture and aquaculture industries. Topics available include risk and change management, quality assurance, and communication and collaboration.
These micro-credentials focus on current, new and emerging digital skills development for the agriculture and aquaculture industries. Topics available include the internet of things, digital technologies, and the collection, recording and management of data.
These micro-credentials focus on current, new and emerging technologies in agriculture and aquaculture industries. Topics available include autonomous equipment, precision farming, sensors, and monitoring devices.
Skillsets
The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport and the VET Emerging Industries initiative, as part of the Future Skills Fund (Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training) have committed funding to support the implementation of pilot programs, to enable existing workers, particularly in regional locations, to acquire new skills. TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity as education partners, are seeking expressions of interest to participate in training, at no cost to participants.
We recommend nominating no more than one skillset per individual.
Delivery dates and modes will be dependent on the review and award of EOI applications. Placements will be confirmed through the Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub Management Committee.
Qualifications
From January 2024 new pilot programs in aquaculture, autonomous technologies and in rural operations will also be launched.
Robert Cocco | RDA Mackay Issac Whitsunday Chief Executive Officer
"This project has showcased the benefits of when you enhance people’s ability to utilise technology in the workplace. Instead of fearing technology, the skills learned highlight how technology and its use can not only increase workplace productivity but at the same time make work more interesting, enjoyable, and rewarding."
Kylie Porter | Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chief Executive Officer
"When industry and education come together to solve challenges, great outcomes happen. Our community is the ultimate winner!”
Professor Andy Stewart | CQUniversity Dean of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences
"This initiative brings CQUniversity together with industry leaders, government entities, and our educational partners at TAFE Queensland, aiming to provide skill-oriented solutions for the agricultural sector's workforce."
Tom Rowe | Executive Director Education and Training, TAFE Queensland (South West region)
"The Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub gives us an opportunity to work with industry and employers to deliver a range of flexible skilling solutions to ensure employment outcomes for aquaculture and agriculture jobs of the future."
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