TAFE Queensland students now have access to a state-of-the-art facility featuring cutting-edge automated manufacturing processes.
The new Smart Factory Lab offers comprehensive training and upskilling opportunities for manufacturing technicians and professionals.
It is located within the Metal Trades, Manufacturing, and Robotics Centre at the Ipswich campus, which was officially opened late last year.
However, it will be accessible to many more students. Eligible courses, especially the Diploma of Applied Technologies which is offered completely remotely, will be able to access the Smart Factory Lab from their local campus or remotely from home.
The $3.6 million Smart Factory Lab, funded by the Queensland Government, is open to apprentices, industry professionals and manufacturing businesses. The new facility also aligns with the Queensland Government’s focus on transitioning to advanced manufacturing and preparing the workforce for future industry demands.
TAFE Queensland Director of Projects (South West Region), Col Batzloff, said as the future of work evolves with rapid technological advancements and changing industry demands, TAFE Queensland is adapting its training delivery methods to meet the needs of the region’s manufacturing industry.
“By integrating innovative technologies, offering remote learning options, and developing specialised programs in advanced manufacturing, TAFE Queensland is ensuring that employers and their workforce are well-prepared for the future,” Mr Batzloff said.
“Industry professionals, and students can learn and explore Industry 4.0 in a new, vibrant and inspiring environment.”
The Smart Factory Lab was developed in collaboration with automation integration leaders, Applied Robotics, and Rockwell Automation.
Applied Robotics Chief Operations Officer, Isaac Roach, highlighted the significance of the collaboration and the innovated edge of the Smart Factory Lab.
“The Applied Robotics team were eager to be involved in this industry-education collaboration with the potential of the facility continuing to evolve as technology is developed into the future,” Mr Roach said.
“What makes the Smart Factory Lab unique is TAFE Queensland’s focus on partnering with businesses like Rockwell Automation and KUKA — companies shaping the future of smart manufacturing.”
“Allowing this collaboration to push the boundaries of what education can achieve for both students and the manufacturing industry, we are excited about the possibilities and look forward to a strong partnership which continues to deliver for the education sector.”
TAFE Queensland General Manager (South West region) Kate Venables, said the organisation is committed to accelerating the skills of the manufacturing workforce by integrating innovative and cutting-edge technologies, techniques, and processes.
“At TAFE Queensland we are proud to equip the manufacturing workforce with the skills needed to excel in cutting-edge technologies, techniques, and processes,” Ms Venables said.
“As Queensland transitions to advanced manufacturing, our dedicated educational team prepare our workforce for the future, ensuring they remain competitive and adaptable in an evolving industry landscape.”
The Smart Factory Lab provides equitable state-wide access through remote delivery and e-learning programs, catering to students from Certificate II to Diploma levels. This initiative ensures that advanced manufacturing education is accessible to students across the entire state, regardless of their location or campus.
A range of training options, from nationally recognised certificates and diplomas to skill sets, micro-credentials, and Career Tasters for high school students as part of the TAFE at School program are available.
Courses include the Certificate II in Autonomous Technologies (10935NAT) and Diploma of Applied Technologies (MEM50822), courses which align with advanced manufacturing practices and incorporate robotics and modern, automated processes and the Certificate II Engineering Pathways (MEM20422) for TAFE at School students, Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade Machining (MEM30219) and Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119) for local apprentices.
According to the Queensland Government, manufacturing is worth $20 billion per year to the Queensland economy. It is the third-largest employer of full-time workers and was expected to grow to a workforce of 178,000 in 2024-2025.
