The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has partnered with Siemens, a world leader in industrial automation and Industry 4.0 solutions, to create a new microcredential called Managing Modern Industrial Automation. The course, funded by the NSW Government’s New Education Training Model (NETM), is designed for decision-makers to upskill in automation solutions in industrial operations.
We spoke to the lead academic, Associate Professor Andrea Trianni, to learn more about the course and partnership.
The problem
The pandemic was a turning point for manufacturing in Australia. It placed a spotlight on our reliance on global supply chains and presented an opportunity to build a sustainable local manufacturing sector.
“There is a big gap to be filled, and this is an area Australia has not met in many years. This is a unique opportunity to catch up and revamp local manufacturing in light of the opportunities offered by Industry 4.0,” said Associate Professor Trianni.
“However, there are some key challenges that, not only large players, but also Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing are facing. It’s not only about costs or redesigning the whole production system; companies are struggling with the lack of skills of the individuals currently managing and operating the production facilities to be prepared for the incumbent industry 4.0 revolution.”
The opportunity
The microcredential is part of an ongoing industry partnership between UTS and Siemens. Their unique automation concept, Totally Integrated Automation (TIA), is best-in-class and provides an ideal framework to explore automation and Industry 4.0 capabilities from a management point of view.
Associate Professor Trianni says the partnership was a “perfect match” between the research and teaching expertise at UTS and the vision Siemens has for professional education.
“By leveraging the complementary skills between UTS and Siemens, we can provide a valuable service to potential, current and future managers in manufacturing SMEs,”
“It was ticking all the boxes to be a success story with the New Education Training Model (NETM), the Western Sydney Parklands Authority and the development of the advanced manufacturing area there,” he said.
“All the dots connected, and I thought we could really make an impact on the professional occupation.”
The impact
Managing Modern Industrial Automation has attracted many cohorts of industry and production managers from a range of backgrounds.
“There’s a discussion crackling in the background. We see the interest growing for people to upskill and reskill in this area,” said Associate Professor Trianni.
“We’re enabling the trailblazers to improve their competitiveness and sustainability. This introductory course gives learners the nuts and bolts to start the transformation in their business.”
Not only are learners equipped with newfound industrial automation and Industry 4.0 knowledge, but they’re also thinking about what’s next.
“We’ve got people thinking about their learning journey. People want to become more engaged with universities and learning opportunities in order to drive change in the companies they work for,
“It’s a great outcome from a 40-hour journey.”
Does your organisation need to build new skills for the future? Talk to Plus UTS and find out how we can help you.
