NSW announces 'Industry 4.0' diploma

The NSW Government has announced the launch of a new diploma in advanced manufacturing as part of the state’s COVID-19 recovery efforts.

The new Diploma of Applied Technologies will aim to train workers in ‘Industry 4.0’ skills to support the state’s plans to make advanced manufacturing a linchpin of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayre said that the state’s advanced manufacturing industry is being developed through the government’s industry precincts, including the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

“Our manufacturing industry in NSW is undergoing a transformation known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, and this course qualifies graduates in necessary disciplines like networking, big data, cloud computing and digital control systems,” he said.

“Embracing advanced technologies will be vital to ongoing profitability and competitive advantage, but companies need a comprehensive strategy to manage equipment, processes, supply chain, sales and — most importantly — their workforce.”

The state government is rolling out the qualification in collaboration with Ai Group and Manufacturing Skills Australia.

It has been designed to be suitable for new or existing employees, with assessment conducted via work-based projects. The para-professional and technician-level qualification can also be delivered in conjunction with an apprenticeship.

Two pilots conducted with Skills Lab have commenced in the Hunter Region and Western Sydney. A second intake is expected to begin in September.

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