Autonomous Workplace Operations

Resource Development: Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations

AUSMASA’s initial workforce plan noted the increasing role automation will play in the mining sector. Technology is giving rise to higher-paid jobs, with greater opportunities for remote and flexible work. 

The growth of remote operations centres enables workers to support operations from metropolitan rather than onsite remote locations, expanding the demographic of workers that the industry can attract.  

To encourage national uptake of the entry level qualification RII21222 Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations, we developed fit-for-purpose training and assessment resources, then piloted their use with Registered Training Organisations (RTO's) nationwide throughout May and June 2024. The project ran March to October 2024.

This project augmented resources for RII21222 Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations developed under the Mining Organisation Skills Pilot. 

Image credit: South Metropolitan TAFE's Automation, Refrigeration and Energy Process training area.

More information

RII2122 Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations

Key stages of the work

We worked with subcontractor, Mining Skills Australia and their animation company Motion Curve to develop the training resources. 

The Project Steering Committee (PSC) was established to oversee and provide input into the project. Members represented a breadth of key stakeholders with knowledge and expertise in the design and delivery of qualifications for the mining and resources sectors and an interest in resolving key workforce challenges for the sector.

Athena Tsonis and Monique Taaffe 
North Metropolitan TAFE 

Mark Hart  
South Metropolitan TAFE  

Michelle Harvey and Lubomir Tchervenkov 
Central Regional TAFE  

Julie Large, Russell Blount and Jacqui Shiosaki 
South Regional TAFE  

Russell Roberts 
Komatsu 

Stage 1 included:

With the help of our PSC, we developed informative and interactive student activities at the end of each topic section for the units:

  • RIIARO201 Work in Autonomous Operations 
  • RIIARO202 Use data and technology to complete work in autonomous operations 
  • RIICOM202 Contribute to effectiveness of communication and teamwork in an autonomous workplace 
  • RIIWHS208 Operate within an autonomous workplace functional safety system.

A resource bank of summative student assessments and activities was also created to consolidate knowledge:

  • SCORM-compliant files containing an online learner guide with videos, interactive student activities, and an end-of-unit knowledge check. 
  • Example knowledge and practical assessment questions in an editable format to be contextualised for multiple cohorts. 
  • PowerPoint slide templates in an editable format to be contextualised for multiple cohorts. 
  • RPL kit.  
  • Supplementary teaching resources and useful links.

Stage 2 included:

We ran a pilot of RIIARO201 Work in Autonomous Operations resources with a number of training providers:

  • students undertaking a VET Delivery to Secondary Students (VETDSS) pathway and 
  • new entrants to the industry.  

To assess the pilot, we asked steering committee members, students and other subject matter experts from each training provider to provide feedback on the content and interactive activities, as well as the ease of use of the online resources for the unit RIIARO201 Work in autonomous operations.

The pilot feedback was reviewed and incorporated into the final version of the training resources and made available under creative commons to a national RTO network.