Digital shipbuilding for the future Australia’s first digital shipbuilding course at Flinders University is building new careers and gaining industry recognition. Just 18 months after going live, the Diploma of Digital Technologies course at Flinders has become a multiaward-winning program. A collaboration between Flinders University and BAE Systems Maritime Australia (formerly ASC Shipbuilding), the program won the Training and Mentorship Program of the Year award at Defence Connect’s 2020 Australian Defence Industry Awards. Highlighting the University’s positive relationship with BAE Systems and TAFE SA, the Diploma has also won the Industry Collaboration Award at the 2021 South Australian Training Awards, presented by the SA Government’s South Australian Skills Commission. Luke and Tamara from BAE Systems explain why the program works. Luke was a Logistics Support Officer at BAE Systems when he enrolled in the Diploma of Digital Technologies. With 20 years’ experience in the defence industry, and passionate about shipbuilding, Luke saw the program as an opportunity to change the direction of his career. ‘I thought it would be a great opportunity to upskill and be part of the future of shipbuilding,’ he says. Tamara was urged by her supervisor at BAE Systems to enrol in the Diploma. With a focus on innovation and industry 4.0, cybersecurity, digital design, design for manufacture, cyberphysical systems, robotics, and automation, she knew it would open her up to the world of transformative technologies and build skills that would be directly relevant to her role, now and into the future. BUILDING CAREERS In 2020 Luke was one of 51 shipbuilders from BAE Systems to graduate from the very first year of the program. On completion he was appointed to a new role as a Supply Chain Analyst for BAE Systems’ Research and Technology team based at Flinders University’s new Line Zero Factory of the Future, in the Tonsley Innovation District. BAE Systems is a founding partner of Line Zero, a collaborative environment where a range of companies test advanced manufacturing technologies for potential use in the Hunter Class Frigate Program. ‘The course gave me a firsthand look at the innovations and technologies being used in the shipbuilding industry.’ Pictured: Diploma of Digital Technologies student Tamara and graduate Luke, from BAE Systems Maritime Australia
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