TAFE Queensland, CQ University and mining company BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) have formed a new multimillion dollar skills partnership that will support the introduction of new technology in mining.
The Queensland Future Skills Partnership will fund and facilitate the fast-tracked development and delivery of new autonomy related qualifications in open-cut mining operations in Queensland.
TAFE Queensland CEO Mary Campbell said the partnership will be important in preparing Queensland’s future workforce.
“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,” she said.
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp said the partnership was an important step when it comes to engaging with industry and delivering future focused skills training.
The scope of training to be delivered is being finalised but it may include a traineeship qualification in autonomous operations and an expansion of existing trade apprenticeships to include autonomous competencies and entry pathway for autonomous mine controllers.
The first of the pilot programs will take place in the Bowen Basin region near BMA’s operations.