New Associate Degree in Applied Technologies launched to meet Queensland’s future skills needs

The course was developed through the Queensland Future Skills (QFS) Partnership, led by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), with TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity as education partners.

The TAFE Queensland has launched a new Associate Degree in Applied Technologies (HED012) reflects deep collaboration between government, industry and education partners to shape a learning pathway that responds directly to workforce needs across the resources, manufacturing, and automation sectors.

The new course forms part of the Higher‑Level Skills Gap initiative under the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan (QRIDP) – a $2.1 million investment aimed at delivering higher‑education pathways for Queenslanders seeking careers in automation and emerging technologies.

In total, this investment has supported the development of three Associate Degrees and two Bachelor programs at TAFE Queensland, created after extensive consultation with industry partners to ensure relevance and real‑world impact.

In addition, the Queensland Government – through the Department of Trade, Employment and Training and the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development – continues to lead and support this work by investing in the first pilot cohort of 20 participants undertaking the Associate Degree in Applied Technologies fully funded as part of the QRIDP Higher‑Level Skills Gap project.

These inaugural participants are employees from organisations, including Glencore, Komatsu, and Hastings Deering, who were central to shaping the course design, learning outcomes, and practical training requirements.

TAFE Queensland Executive member Robert Petherbridge said the qualification represents a major step forward in continuing to build Queensland’s future workforce.

“This Associate Degree has been designed with industry, for industry, ensuring that every graduate is equipped with the specialised, hands‑on skills employers need right now and into the future,” Mr Petherbridge said. 

“Through strong partnerships with government and leading industry organisations like BMA, Hastings Deering, Komatsu and Glencore, we are creating pathways that respond directly to Queensland’s emerging digital and automation landscape,” he said. 

Brad Prytherch, BMA General Manager Integrated Operations and Chair of the Queensland Future Skills Partnership Steering Committee, said the mining industry needs Queenslanders trained in automation, digital systems and emerging technologies. 

“Despite challenging conditions in Queensland’s coal industry at present, BMA is proud to support programs that build skills for the future while also keeping regional talent in regional jobs,” Mr Prytherch said.

“This partnership shows what’s possible when industry, government and education work together, with a shared goal, to prepare for the future.”

Mr Petherbridge said the QFS Partnership is committed to developing and delivering automated technology training pathways.

“This workforce development program shows what is possible when industry, government and education providers come together with a shared vision,” Mr Petherbridge said.

“The Queensland Government’s investment through the QRIDP, alongside the leadership of QFS Partnership and industry partners, has resulted in a qualification that will create real employment opportunities for Queenslanders while supporting industry productivity and innovation,” he said.