Charles Darwin University and Australian company Diverseco have partnered to offer micro-credentials that would allow Northern Territorians to upskill in the latest advancements in robotics and automation.
The two entities are planning to develop new robotic and automation qualifications tailored to the Northern Territory and part of it is Diverseco’s first Northern Territory office, which opened its doors in Darwin yesterday.
Brenton Cunningham, Diverseco’s managing director, said the company is working to deliver unique business solutions that would help meet industry needs and create new commercial opportunities for local manufacturers.
“Diverseco seeks to create automation solutions at the edge of possibility, increase skill capability, create pathways for youth which future-proof our workforce, and support early-stage concept and proof-of-design pilot research projects in advanced manufacturing,” said Cunningham.
Announced in 2022, the micro-credentials project is a $4.45 million co-investment backed by NT’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), which is administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
Michael Hamilton, pro vice-chancellor at CDU and CEO of CDU TAFE, said the courses are intended to deliver unique upskilling opportunities for Territorians.
“This is an exciting partnership between CDU and Diverseco, and it will support course expansion into new robotic and automation qualifications tailored to the region that will boost our workforce capabilities in advanced processes and machinery,” Hamilton said.
“This investment into advanced manufacturing skills and technology is a welcome addition to the Northern Territory and offers new and exciting opportunities for our students,” he added.
Enrolments for micro-credentials will initially be open to those in the electrical and mechanical engineering fields. CDU said more cohorts are slated to be added in the future.
CDU’s qualifications will be open for enrolment in the second quarter of 2023.
AMGC NT Director Charmaine Phillips said Diverseco’s new presence in NT marks a critical milestone in fostering the region’s industry capabilities.
“Since the launch of the AMEF, AMGC and the Territory Government have built a solid understanding of the manufacturing capabilities that exist in the Territory, the needs of industry and how to grow opportunities in the region,” Phillips said.
“Diverseco’s presence in the Territory will give local manufacturers direct access to leading technology and training resulting in skills capability and jobs growth,” she added.
