Introduction to Additive Manufacturing - WPCA-RSE-21-164

The Western Parkland City Authority (WPCA) is piloting a New Education and Training Model (NETM). The NETM will deliver high-quality, industry-relevant micro-credentials to address identified and emerging skills gaps that will enable and accelerate the growth of high-value, advanced industries in the Western Parkland City. ERC has given the Authority approval to implement the NETM pilot program over the next 4 years to trial an innovative new approach to tertiary education that, if successful, could serve as a template for other precincts and regions to follow. ERC was advised the first NETM micro?credential would be in additive manufacturing and approved this in its April 2021 recommendations to fund the NETM. Through the development and delivery of the Introduction to Additive Manufacturing micro-credential, the Authority is looking to deliver the following learning outcomes: • Understand the principles of additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing • Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create production-ready designs • Apply knowledge of the additive manufacturing process to produce basic 3D printed objects. The NETM Industry Reference Group (IRG) reviewed the Micro-credential Proposal on 12 October 2021, and agreed it met the following four criteria for inclusion in the NETM: • strategic importance to Bradfield and the Western Parkland City; • urgency of the current and/or expected skills shortage the micro-credential seeks to address; • potential impact the micro-credential might create in the workplace or for individual employment; and • ability of the micro-credential to lead to future skill development and/or pathways (whether through the NETM, other education providers or through specialised training that might be employer-specific). The IRG members agreed that the micro-credential would be a sensible way to test the Australian market’s appetite for skilling in additive manufacturing. Members also agreed that the course content seemed to be well thought-out and that the business case element was unique to the micro-credential. Members commented that the micro-credential would also offer a genuine benefit to young engineers, especially those interested in tooling who were looking for a quick course to enhance their practical skills

10-Dec-2021 to 31-Dec-2022