Teachers in STEM: Digital Upskilling Program

It is a known fact schools find it costly to upskill staff in STEM. In response, Flinders University has coordinated grant applications to fully-fund teachers enrolling part-time in the Diploma of Digital Technologies at Flinders University. One example is through the Women in STEM Cadetship and Advanced Apprenticeship Program that provides Commonwealth support..

The Diploma of Digital Technologies program is applicable to teachers and lab technicians in preparing the next generation for job-ready STEM-skills. It will upskill teachers to deliver classes in vital areas for the future including 3D printing, robotics, IOT hubs, electronics, design and CAD, innovation, cybersecurity and industry 4.0. This program will specifically create a targeted, upskilling journey through the learning value chain from design, to modelling in 3D CAD through to physical making of the parts and using the latest 3D printing technologies and materials.

It also has a Work Integrated Learning component through the digital transformation professional project, whereby teachers can apply the knowledge and skills developed in the course to create lesson plans and apply this teaching in their classrooms, having a far-reaching impact of the program.

The Diploma can be undertaken part-time over 2 years at 3 hours online per week after hours plus an intensive 2 weeks of face to face labs in a year.

What you will study

Expression of interest

What you will study

Innovation and industry 4.0

Innovation is needed to successfully introduce Industry 4.0 in the workplace. This topic introduces participants to innovative thinking, the process of innovation and the interplay with industry 4.0. The topic focuses on understanding human and institutional factors in the introduction of new technologies such as industry 4.0, innovation, change management, trust in technology, industry 4.0 for supply chain competitiveness and the process of innovation in an organisation.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is quickly becoming paramount as people spend more time online. Cybersecurity awareness is important for schools and families to keep children safe. The topic introduces participants to key areas of network design and communication, Information structures and governance, cybersecurity awareness, vulnerabilities, threats, risk assessment, and legal and ethical issues.

Engineering Design

This topic exposes participants to 3D printing, design and computer aided design (CAD). The topic enables participants to engage in design thinking, problem solving and designing a new product, learning CAD, physical making of the parts and using the latest 3D printing technologies and materials. More broadly, engineering design is a critical skill needed for the jobs of the future in preparing the next generation.

Cyber-physical systems, robotics and automation

This topic equips participants with the knowledge and skills to understand and deliver lessons in robotics. It exposes participants to program a range of robots that vary in size and complexity, from small zumo robots used in the classroom to others such as larger collaborative robots (cobots) and universal robots used in the workplace.

Design for manufacture

As a society reducing waste is important for the environment. Consequently, at the design stage, considerations of the manufacturing, maintenance and disposal of product is important in encouraging sustainability. The topic explores approaches such as sustainable design, ergonomics/human factors, optimising cost, quality, reliability, safety, delivery time, customer satisfaction and sustainability.

Benefits to your school in nominating a candidate

Improved capacity and capability to deliver STEM educational activities.
Reduced productivity down-time to accommodate training as the course is delivered part-time over 2 years
Upskilling is delivered at nil financial cost to the participant and school. The course fee is normally $24,200, which will be funded by the program. The program will also fund $1,000 towards project materials and equipment that the participant will use in the final project for the Diploma and which can benefit the school in the future.

Should participants wish to pursue further studies, the course also provides credit towards Bachelor degrees in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Design and Engineering.

The course will commence in February 2022 and applications are now open for schools to submit an EOI to nominate a suitable candidate for this exceptional qualification.

The closing date for nominations has been extended to 30th November 2021.

Flinders University is delighted to have won, in partnership with BAE Systems Maritime Australia (formerly ASC Shipbuilding), the prestigious Training and Mentorship Program of the Year in 2020 for the Diploma of Digital Technologies in Defence Connect's Australian Defence Industry Awards.

Jobs for the future

The newly created Diploma of Digital Technology will educate shipbuilders-come-students on digital technologies required as part of the $35 billion Hunter Class Frigate Program, and will help retain important shipbuilding capability between shipbuilding programs.