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Flinders University has firmly established itself as a leader in defence workforce development, blending education, research, and industry engagement to equip the future workforce with essential skills. Professor Giselle Rampersad, Dean of Education for Flinders College of Science and Engineering has been a pivotal figure in the growth of Flinders’ defence-related education.
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"Flinders University has a robust history in defence research and education, addressing mainstream engineering, computing, and scientific capabilities essential to the sector" says Professor Rampersad. “A key moment was in 2020, when Flinders University co-designed the Diploma of Digital Technologies with BAE Systems Australia, that upskilled 51 of BAE’s shipbuilders.”
Among many innovations, Flinders also forged AUKUS partnerships for nuclear workforce development with the University of Rhode Island and Manchester University in 2023, securing 330 AUKUS Commonwealth Supported Places.
What inspires Professor Rampersad and her team is the opportunity to prepare the workforce for future needs in partnership with industry. " We have been inspired by our wonderful students, fantastic defence and defence industry collaborators and dedicated teams at Flinders who have all worked tirelessly to contribute to these programs," she says.
The successes are numerous and significant, with digital upskilling for all major defence primes and SMEs including 100 participants from BAE Systems Australia and 50 Defence SMEs, the latter funded by Skilling Australia Defence Initiative (SADI) grants (including Redarc Electronics, PMB Defence, Century and Neumann Space). Federal funding supported the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeship Program, benefitting 200 women, half of whom came from the industry.
"We have also trained 100 STEM teachers to inspire and grow the engineering pipeline and developed a comprehensive nuclear engineering program," adds Professor Rampersad.
Flinders' customer service approach has helped fuel its success. "Our key guiding principle is about Defence and Industry co-design and co-iteration to ensure that we meet needs and are responsive to changing needs of our stakeholders," says Professor Rampersad. Programs like the digital diploma with BAE and electronic warfare training with the Royal Australian Air Force exemplify this principle.
The University’s holistic workforce development strategy focuses on attraction, development, retention, and upskilling. Initiatives like the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) grants attracted over 1,000 Year 9 girls into STEM, while upskilling efforts secured employment for at-risk workers. "We have delivered on attracting the future workforce and focused on the development and retention of the current workforce," she emphasizes.
Flinders' commitment to diversity and inclusivity is evident, with over 200 women upskilled through various grants in 2023. "We see Defence, defence Industry, and education sectors as partners, working together to inspire and grow the STEM pipeline," says Professor Rampersad.
Flinders University stays ahead of industry trends through impactful partnerships and adaptability. Programs are innovatively designed for national delivery, combining online and face-to-face intensives. This flexible approach caters to participants' work schedules and has increased female participation.
"Our AUKUS nuclear engineering program exemplifies our innovative approach, incorporating global best practices from institutions like the University of Rhode Island and the University of Manchester," Professor Rampersad notes. Students benefit from international exchange opportunities and expertise from three nations.
Flinders is helping ensure Australia develops the nuclear skills needed for AUKUS. The University’s nuclear engineering major is included in four undergraduate Engineering and Science degrees and includes key nuclear subjects, covering nuclear reactor design and safety analysis, naval power and propulsion, radiation damage in nuclear materials, nuclear fuel cycle and performance, and nuclear reactor engineering.
Over the next five years, Flinders aims to develop degree apprenticeships to attract future workforces, scale and deepen experiences, and strengthen pathways from schools. The University plans to roll out a nuclear postgraduate suite and expand other AUKUS-related programs in electronic warfare, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
"We are well placed for developing degree apprenticeships in engineering, so students can earn while they learn," says Professor Rampersad. "Our nuclear post graduate suite will include development of the key skills needed for a nuclear workforce including Graduate Certificates in nuclear safety and compliance, governance and workforce, radiological, manufacturing, testing and commissioning. Participants can also stack these qualifications towards a Master in Nuclear Science and Technology or a Graduate Diploma in this area. Flinders will deliver the program through a tri-nation partnership with Manchester University and the University of Rhode Island."
For more information on Flinders University's comprehensive nuclear suite, visit Flinders University Nuclear Program.
Flinders University's commitment to innovation, diversity, and industry collaboration positions it as the best future skills provider in defence and national security, ensuring a skilled and capable workforce for the future.
