CDU launches micro-credentials in robotics and automation

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is launching a collaboration with Australian automation company Diverseco to enable Territorians to upskill in the latest advancements in robotics and automation.

Micro-credentials are short certification courses focusing on a certain area, allowing participants to learn new skills quickly.

Diverseco has opened its first Northern Territory office at Cavenagh Street in the heart of Darwin, marking a major step in the collaboration between the company and CDU to develop four new robotic and automation qualifications tailored to the Northern Territory.

The project, announced last year, is a $4.45 million co-investment supported by the Northern Territory’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF), which is administered by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).

CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of CDU TAFE Michael Hamilton said the courses would provide Territorians with unique opportunities to upskill. Enrolments will initially be open to those in the electrical and mechanical engineering fields, with more cohorts to be added in the future.

CDU’s qualifications will be open for enrolment in the second quarter of 2023.

“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.”

Diverseco Managing Director Brenton Cunningham said the company was thrilled to deliver opportunities to Territorians with the opening of its first NT office.

“Diverseco is working to deliver unique business solutions to the Northern Territory, to meet industry needs and create new commercial opportunities for local manufacturers,” he said. “Diverseco seeks to create automation solutions at the edge of possibility, increase skill capability, create pathways for youth that future-proof our workforce, and support early-stage concept and proof-of-design pilot research projects in advanced manufacturing.”

Major Projects Commissioner Jason Schoolmeester added the collaboration would help Territory industries keep up with demand.

“With Diverseco opening its doors in Darwin, we will see local businesses gain direct access to new automation and robotics solutions, which in turn will diversify and strengthen our economy,” he said. “This collaboration will allow businesses to be proactive in improving the efficiency and competitiveness of their operations, as well as upskilling their workforces to keep up with industry demand.”

Advanced Manufacturing Grown Centre Northern Territory Director Charmaine Phillips said Diverseco’s establishment in the NT was a critical step in growing 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,” she 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.”

Image caption: Charles Darwin University (CDU) Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of CDU TAFE Michael Hamilton. Image credit: Adnan Reza