Automation partnership recognised by resources training council

The QFS Partnership is a multi-million-dollar collaboration that is introducing training targeted at supporting new technologies within the resources sector, with a special focus on facilitating the fast-tracked development and delivery of new autonomy related qualifications for open-cut mining operations in Queensland.

Asset President BMA, James Palmer said the award recognises how the partnership is helping to drive innovation in new approaches to skilling the resources industry workforce for jobs of the future.

“The QFS Partnership is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when a committed group of problem-solvers come together with a common vision and a shared commitment."

“What we have developed with our partners – CQUniversity and TAFE Queensland - and the many industry, government and community participants goes beyond what BMA could have anticipated. I am very proud that BMA have played a leadership role in building innovative training programs that will support our workforce and industry now and into the future,” said Mr Palmer.

TAFE Queensland, Executive Director, Robert Petherbridge said the partnership is helping to future proof Queensland mining workforces and Queensland regional communities.

“There is often much discussion about future workforces and through the QFS Partnership we are taking action now, to deliver the skills into Queensland communities that will be needed in the next five, 10, 15 and 20 years."

“This collaborative approach to workforce preparedness is setting the standard when it comes to hi-tech skills training for industry,” said Mr Petherbridge.

CQUniversity’s Deputy Vice-President, Vocational Education and Training, Mr Peter Heilbuth, added that the delivery model of the partnership represented an exciting step forward when it comes to engaging with industry to develop and deliver future focused skills training.

“CQUniversity is committed to delivering high-quality vocational training and collaborating with industry to train highly skilled workforces. Speed to market of any new training initiative is essential for industry."

“Through this partnership the training and industry partners have rapidly developed new courses, skill sets and micro-credentials which are now being delivered directly into industry and secondary schools by CQUniversity and TAFE Queensland,” said Mr Heilbuth.

More than 100 Year 10 students from schools across the Isaac Region are currently participating in the training pathway specialising in new, digital, and autonomous technologies.

Students from schools including Blackwater State High School, Clermont State High School, Dysart State High School, Middlemount Community School and Moranbah State High School will undertake training over the coming months and will not only receive credits towards their Senior Certificate and a nationally recognised qualification, but also gain high level skills and experience to prepare them for the jobs of the future in Industry 4.0.

MORE ABOUT THE QUEENSLAND FUTURE SKILLS PARTNERSHIP

Queensland Future Skills Partnership

The Queensland Future Skills (QFS) Partnership is a three-way partnership between BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity. It is designed to fund and facilitate the fast-tracked development and delivery of automated technology pathways, skill sets and qualifications in open-cut mining operations in Queensland.