RMIT: New digital tech degree teaches skills for the future
A new Associate Degree in Digital Technologies (Advanced Manufacturing) at RMIT will teach students high-level specialist knowledge and skills to prepare them for industry jobs of the future.
The qualification will cover emerging technology subjects including Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Additive Manufacturing, Digital Twinning, Supply Chain 4.0, Mindsphere, Smart Manufacturing, Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation and Process Control, Software Applications and Cyber Security for Industrial Network.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of RMIT’s College of Vocational Education (VE) Mish Eastman said the pilot was another opportunity for students to learn highly specialised practical skills through RMIT’s wider Vocational Education programs.
“Digital disruption is reshaping the way we live, work and learn and we are seeing rapid changes in the skills landscape,” she said.
“Advanced skills in manufacturing – especially in the digital space – will be at the heart of all things industry and innovation into the future. It’s critical we give students the practical, real-world skills for them to take into their careers and become leaders in innovation in the coming generations.
“I look forward to seeing our students take to the pilot program, which will hopefully see a wider rollout in the coming years.”
Students who are part of the Australian Government funded pilot program will have their course fees covered by the grant, at no cost to the student or their employer.
The program was launched at a recent RMIT Industry 4.0 Showcase, held alongside Industrial Digital Innovation Hub partner Siemens.
High profile guest speakers included Samantha Murray, CEO and Vice President at Siemens Digital Industries Software (AU & NZ); Damien Sinclair, Head of Didact AU and NZ Festo; Andrew Dettmer National President of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, and Shane Infanti CEO of Amatil.
The virtual showcase gave attendees an opportunity to learn more about the pilot program and the University’s new Siemens-FESTO Industrial Digital Innovation Hub.
Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title ‘The Associate Degree in Digital Technologies (Advanced Manufacturing) was launched at RMIT’s Industry 4.0 Showcase, where participants also learned more about the new RMIT Siemens-FESTO Industrial Innovation Hub’The Associate Degree in Digital Technologies (Advanced Manufacturing) was launched at RMIT’s Industry 4.0 Showcase, where participants also learned more about the new RMIT Siemens-FESTO Industrial Innovation Hub
Launched in 2020, the $1.5 million Hub was established to help drive workforce transformation for Industry 4.0 in the Australasian region. The hub includes a significant hi-tech industrial software grant from Siemens, the largest industrial software company in the world.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of RMIT’s STEM College and Vice-President for Digital Innovation Professor Aleks Subic said the showcase further demonstrated RMIT’s commitment to being at the forefront of digital transformation over the coming years.
“Our digital world is constantly changing due to volatility in global, economic, and policy decisions. The last few years have seen developments that promise disruption in this sector,” he said.
“The next decade will see a continuation of this trend, with almost every part of our industry accelerated and changed by technological developments such as the greater network capabilities of 5G, Industry 4.0, machine learning and predictive analytics.
“RMIT aims to be at the forefront of these changes over the next few decades, giving our students transformative and innovative experiences so they can be at the heart of the change that is already occurring, and collaborating with industry to conduct world-first research, literally creating the next wave of digital innovation to solve real-world problems here and now.”
RMIT welcomes industry involvement with its Advanced Manufacturing Precinct and associated support of Associate Degree Digital Technologies (Advanced Manufacturing).