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A cohort of graduates have commenced new roles in the naval industry after completing Flinders University’s first digital shipbuilding course.
Flinders University has farewelled 51 graduates of its Diploma of Digital Technologies, recognising their achievements at a ceremony held at Flinders University’s Tonsley campus.
The course, developed in conjunction with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, was launched in March 2020 and funded by the Commonwealth and South Australian governments.
The diploma is designed to equip graduates with the digital skills required to support the $45 billion Hunter Class Frigate Program, delivered by BAE Systems.
The 10-month course involved training in future-focused skills in innovation and Industry 4.0, cyber security, digital design, design for manufacture, cyber-physical systems, robotics and automation.
Flinders University vice-chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling, said the course is a testament to cross-sector collaboration.
“I extend thanks to the federal and state governments for their support in bringing this award-winning program to life, built on the combined expertise of Flinders University and BAE Systems Maritime Australia, in collaboration with TAFE SA,” he said.
“Congratulations to our inaugural students for their determination and resilience in completing this course despite the disruptions of COVID-19.”
BAE Systems Maritime Australia managing director Craig Lockhart said the course provided shipbuilders on the AMD project with the opportunity to update their skills and knowledge by combining theoretical approaches to Industry 4.0 technology with hands-on experience.
“The students are already applying the skills they’ve learned over the past 10 months at the new shipyard at Osborne, where prototyping for the Hunter Class Frigate Program is underway,” Lockhart said.
“More than half of the group have transitioned from trade-based roles to engineering, project management and supply chain roles, and I’m looking forward to watching Hunter’s newest employees forge new career paths.
“It’s fantastic we’ve been able to retain this naval shipbuilding capability representing hundreds of years’ shipbuilding experience.”
Professor in innovation and director for the Diploma of Digital Technologies, Giselle Rampersad, said the university plans to offer the course to a broader market.
“We plan to expand the program to include SMEs and organisations from a broad range of sectors from defence to manufacturing, health, energy and construction, which will also benefit from digital upskilling, a key contributor to economic growth,” Professor Rampersad said.
[Related: BAE, Flinders Uni collaborate on Factory of the Future]
