Apprenticeship pilot a first for Queensland

The Pilot has been developed in partnership with the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, TAFE Queensland, Skills Lab and Ai Group, and mixes workplace learning with new cutting edge training.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman launched the Higher-Level Apprenticeships Pilot at TAFE Queensland Eagle Farm that will see more than 40 students undertake a Diploma of Applied Technologies (22460VIC).

“We have a plan: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Our plan for economic recovery is to invest in the skills and training needed for the in-demand jobs now and into the future," she continued.

“As we transition into a post-COVID economy, we know skilling Queenslanders will be a priority. This is about growing a new generation of workers in Queensland."

“The new Higher Level Apprenticeship qualification will continue to provide the hands-on learning of a traditional apprenticeship combined with the cutting-edge training needed for Industry 4.0."

“We are ensuring Queenslanders are skilled up for more jobs in more industries.”

Apprentices will train at TAFE Queensland campuses in both Greater Brisbane and North Queensland for 15 weeks over the next two years and will gain high level skills to support the future growth of the manufacturing, engineering, energy, transport and infrastructure industries throughout Queensland and their supply chains.

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell said TAFE Queensland is extremely excited to be a part of the Pilot and the first ever training provider in Queensland to deliver the Diploma of Applied Technologies (22460VIC).

“The Higher Level Skills Apprenticeship Pilot will ensure Queensland workforces have access to the new and innovative training techniques needed to keep our State’s industries at the vanguard of the new digital future,” Mrs Campbell said.

“The Pilot will provide pivotal training pathways for Queensland businesses to re-skill and up-skill their current workforce and enable them to take advantage of the new technologies and opportunities that Industry 4.0 will provide," she continued.

“Our training will help apprentices to gain the very latest skills in automation and digitisation from product design to manufacture which will in turn support the future growth of a range of industries throughout Queensland.”

Ai Group Queensland Head Rebecca Andrews said Ai Group will continue to be at the fore-front of encouraging industry to embrace new digital technologies.

“We believe that if we can develop new innovative programs which combine traditional trade skills with high-level skills in new technologies, it will breathe new life into the apprenticeship system and offer career opportunities to rival those for university graduates,” Ms Andrews said.

Ms Andrews said the fact the program generated so much interest from businesses throughout the state underlines the high demand industry has for these skills.

“Queensland businesses are ready to invest in their people and unlock the opportunities that Industry 4.0 creates.’’

Skills Lab will assist with training delivery and General Manager Laura Mabikafola said the diploma supports Queensland organisations to explore new avenues using technology, including finding solutions to tough problems.

“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,” Ms Mabikafola said.

Technology is constantly changing the world we live and work in and the Higher Level Apprenticeship Pilot is taking a pro-active approach to ensuring Queenslanders have access to the skills and training required for the jobs of the future.