BMA TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity launch skills partnership
05 September 2019
BHP
Mitsubishi Alliance, BMA,
TAFE Queensland and
CQUniversity Australia
have announced a new multi-million dollar
skills partnership that will
support the introduction of new
technology in
mining.
The key aim of the Queensland Future Skills Partnership is to fund and
facilitate the fast-tracked development and delivery of new autonomy
related qualifications in open-cut mining operations in
Queensland.
Minister for Skills and Training Development Shannon Fentiman commended
the partners stating the partnership and project is an excellent example
of Queensland’s public training providers coming together with industry
to support new and emerging skill needs impacting Queensland.
“We hear all the time that the world of work is changing and the rapid
rate of occupational change and new technology adoption means that the
need to re-skill and up-skill the existing workforce will be critical
into the future,” Ms Fentiman said.
“This project will have a direct positive impact for the resources and
related sectors including agriculture, tourism and hospitality as well
as local
Queensland regional and rural communities.
“The Queensland Future Skills Partnership will unpack the future skill
and qualification requirements for the resources sector and the
communities and other industries that support the sector, and create a
robust and actionable plan on addressing future skills needs.
Asset President BMA, James Palmer said the partnership will drive
innovation in new approaches to skilling the resources industry
workforce for jobs of the future.
“As we enter the fourth industrial revolution, we are considering how we
transform our technology and our workforce.
“The partnership will define the first wave of new skills that may be
required to support technology advances, and to establish the education
opportunities for individuals to acquire these skills.
“Our operations are cutting edge, and we need to stay ahead of the
curve.
“The scope of training to be delivered through the partnership is still
being finalised but we are exploring the potential opportunity for a
traineeship qualification in autonomous operations, expanding existing
trade apprenticeships to include autonomous competencies as well as an
entry pathway for autonomous mine controllers.
“We also hope to be able to deliver the first pilot of these programs in
the Bowen Basin region near our operations, expanding both existing and
future workforce as well as local schools.
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell said the
partnership will be important in preparing Queensland’s future
workforce.
“We talk about the workforce of the future and what we will need in 10,
20 or 30 years’ time, but that future is now.
“This partnership gives us an opportunity to work with industry and
employers to deliver a range of flexible skilling solutions to ensure
employment outcomes for Industry 4.0 jobs of the future.
CQUniversity’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp,
explained that the partnership was an important step forward when it
comes to engaging with industry and delivering future focused skills
training.
“CQUniversity is excited about this innovative partnership with BHP and
TAFE Queensland.
“We are committed to the delivery of high-quality vocational training
and working with industry to produce highly skilled workforces.
“This skills partnership will be a gamechanger when it comes to
developing innovative training, that supports future workforce
requirements within the mining industry,” said Professor Klomp.
The Queensland Future Skills Partnership will start work later this
month with its first steering committee meeting scheduled for late
August 2019, at the CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus.
--ENDS--
Source: BHP - www.bhp.com
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