{"id":988,"date":"2021-09-15T09:00:44","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T23:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/alumni-stories\/?p=988"},"modified":"2021-09-24T12:46:58","modified_gmt":"2021-09-24T03:16:58","slug":"digital-shipbuilding-for-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/alumni-stories\/2021\/09\/15\/digital-shipbuilding-for-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital shipbuilding for the future"},"content":{"rendered":"


\nAustralia\u2019s first digital shipbuilding course at Flinders University is building new careers and gaining industry recognition.<\/em><\/p>\n

Just 18 months after going live, the Diploma of Digital Technologies course at Flinders has become a multiaward-winning program. A collaboration between Flinders University and BAE Systems Maritime Australia (formerly ASC Shipbuilding), the program won the Training and Mentorship Program of the Year award at Defence Connect\u2019s 2020 Australian Defence Industry Awards.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Highlighting the University\u2019s positive relationship with BAE Systems and TAFE SA, the Diploma has also won the Industry Collaboration Award at the 2021 South Australian Training Awards, presented by the SA Government\u2019s South AustralianSkills Commission.<\/p>\n

Luke and Tamara from BAE Systems explain why the program works.<\/p>\n

Luke was a Logistics Support Officer at BAE Systems when he enrolled in the Diploma of Digital Technologies. With 20 years\u2019 experience in the defence industry, and passionate about shipbuilding, Luke saw the program as an opportunity to change the direction of his career.<\/p>\n

\u2018I thought it would be a great opportunity to upskill and be part of the future of shipbuilding,\u2019 he says.<\/p>\n

Tamara was urged by her supervisor at BAE Systems to enrol in the Diploma. With a focus on innovation and industry 4.0, cybersecurity, digital design, design for manufacture, cyberphysical systems, robotics, and automation, she knew it would open her up to the world of transformative technologies and build skills that would be directly relevant to her role, now and into the future.<\/p>\n

BUILDING CAREERS<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2020 Luke was one of 51 shipbuilders from BAE Systems to graduate from the very first year of the program. On completion he was appointed to a new role as a Supply Chain Analyst for BAE Systems\u2019 Research and Technology team based at Flinders University\u2019s new Line Zero Factory of the Future, in the Tonsley Innovation District.<\/p>\n

BAE Systems is a founding partner of Line Zero, a collaborative environment where a range of companies test advanced manufacturing technologies for potential use in the Hunter Class Frigate Program.<\/p>\n

\u2018The course gave me a firsthand look at the innovations and technologies being used in the shipbuilding industry.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Being in this position gives you the opportunity to help shape what the industry will look like moving into the future,\u2019 says Luke. \u2018I really am working with some of the brightest minds in the country.\u2019<\/p>\n

DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fifty percent of students in the program this year are women. A working mum with two young children, Tamara is the Industry and Innovation Project Support Officer in BAE Systems\u2019 Tonsley team. She knew the program would be challenging.<\/p>\n

\u2018I have never studied at TAFE or university,\u2019 she says. \u2018The course has been challenging but also rewarding. It has provided me with insight into innovation, engineering and design. I\u2019m especially looking forward to learning about cybersecurity.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018If you think you don\u2019t have the time or life is busy, I am proving that it is possible,\u2019 she says. \u2018There is a good network of support, not only from the lecturers but also from fellow students.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And a hint to mums \u2013 you don\u2019t have to have an engineering background to be successful in the Diploma. I have thought like a mum for some of the assignments and it has paid off.\u2019<\/p>\n

WORKING WITH INDUSTRY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Professor Giselle Rampersad, the Director of the program and Flinders University\u2019s Professor in Innovation says, \u2018The program is a leading and critical training initiative in building digital capability for a range of sectors including defence, advanced manufacturing, medical technologies, and renewables.<\/p>\n

\u2018Our collaborators have included BAE Systems Australia, the Federal and State Governments, the Defence Teaming Centre, the Advanced Technology Project, and TAFE SA.\u2019<\/p>\n

EXPANDING DELIVERY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Along with shipbuilders and staff from BAE Systems, the program has expanded to include participants from small and medium-sized enterprises with key roles in the defence supply chain, and STEM school teachers wanting to inspire the next generation of students to meet the needs of industry into the future.<\/p>\n

\u2018Teachers have travelled from regional areas such as Clare, Mount Gambier and the Riverland to join the group of over 100 students currently undertaking this upskilling opportunity,\u2019 says Professor Rampersad.<\/p>\n

\u2018And after just one woman in last year\u2019s program it\u2019s exciting that fifty percent of the participants in this year\u2019s program are women \u2013 which is an important part in building gender diversity in the STEM pipeline as well as in engineering and defence.\u2019<\/p>\n

GROWING NATIONALLY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Professor Rampersad says Flinders University plans to scale the program nationally.<\/p>\n

\u2018We currently have 11 interstate industry participants from BAE Systems across Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia and we look forward to growing nationally over the coming years to build Australia\u2019s industry competitiveness.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2021 Encounter<\/em> magazine – Read more<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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