SMC and Outsource Institute launch blended learning programs

Adapting to the new normal, SMC Corporation Australia New Zealand (ANZ) has partnered with Outsource Institute (AUS) to develop a blended learning initiative for SMC’s customers.

According to William Lebihan, Head of Field Sales for SMC Corporation, this blended solution offers flexibility and highlights in more practical terms what SMC’s International Training Division can offer its customers.

“Learners who attend SMC’s training courses are no longer required to leave their place of work for five consecutive days,” he said. “Thanks to this new offering, theory can be done from the comfort of their homes or offices while a day and a half is allocated to the practical component of the course.

“In addition to the eLearning component, learners will have access to a wealth of free materials such as product animations and other downloads.”

Adding to this, Lebihan noted that virtual training, particularly in the Industry 4.0 field, will showcase the realm of infinite possibilities that now exist for its customers: “Learners will soon be able to access a factory of the future training system and interact directly via a virtual connection.”

Outsource Institute (AUS) is a fully Australian-owned registered training organisation (RTO), based in Queensland. The company has been in operation for more than two decades and specialises in the training and assessment of nationally accredited and non-accredited business and engineering programs ranging from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma.

“Our customised engineering advanced trade qualifications are aimed at upskilling workforces and individuals to enable them to be formally recognised within their chosen industry, nationally or globally,” said Stephen Love, Managing Director - Australasian Expansion.

Explaining the partnership between SMC and Outsource Institute, Love said that the companies first collaborated in 2017 in Queensland to deliver P1 and P2 Pneumatics Courses to its SMC’s customers and partners. Following the success of the program, this agreement was later extended to all regions within Australia.

“Due to COVID-19 restrictions and various state lockdown measures, our innovative blended approach allows students to complete the theory portion of SMC’s P1 and P2 courses virtually and to be ‘class ready’ once restrictions are lifted to complete the practical aspect of the course,” he said.

Courses and qualifications on offer

SMC’s P1 & P2 Pneumatics Training Courses are aligned to the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). Outsource Institute provides training and assessment in the units of competency MEM18018 (P1) and MEM18019 (P2) which form part of the Certificate IV in Engineering.

SMC Pneumatic Automation P1

In MEM18018 Maintain Pneumatic System Components, students attending the course will learn:

• pneumatic systems applications and characteristics
• pneumatic automation systems components and layout
• compressed air theory and application
• types, construction and principles of operation of compressed air productions purifications and distribution equipment
• types, construction and principles of operation of actuators
• types, construction and operation of ancillary pneumatic equipment
• symbols according to ISO 1219/5599 and JIS
• interpretation and design of control circuitry.

SMC Pneumatic Automation P2

In MEM18019 Maintain Pneumatic Systems, students attending the course will learn:

• pneumatic systems preventive maintenance and services
• automation systems breakdown analysis and root cause
• pneumatic automation systems commissioning
• interpretation and design of advanced pneumatic control circuitry
• logical fault-finding exercises.
   

Love notes that these courses would be best suited to individuals who are looking to enhance or advance their skills and knowledge within the pneumatics field of engineering, or could go on to complete the full Certificate IV in Engineering.

“Upon successful completion, students can either be awarded a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for one or both units’ competencies. Alternatively, they can continue to work towards completing the Certificate IV in Engineering,” he said.

Important to note for those wishing to attend, specific prerequisites are required for accreditation otherwise a Statement of Attendance will be provided on successful course completion. Details of prerequisites are available here.

Learners can start undertaking the courses from early August and the company looks forward to its continued partnership with Outsource Institute. “We believe that this offering will be of great value to our customers and we look forward to helping them navigate the new normal,” Lebihan said.

Interested students can find out more about the courses by visiting https://outsourceinstitute.com.au/smc-pneumatics-courses-training/ or contacting smc@outsourceinstitute.com.au.

Image: ©stock.adobe.com/au/fizkes