What we’re doing in Phase 3
AUSMASA has embarked on an initiative to investigate, design, and pilot a higher-level vocational pathway at AQF Level 7. This new qualification aims to bridge the gap we call the "missing middle" – the space between traditional trades qualifications and university degrees.
Phase 3 of this project will co-design an AQF Level 7 Vocational Degree in Reliability Engineering for the mining sector based on the foundational research and consultation undertaken in phases 1 and 2.
Collaborating with training providers, industry, regulators, unions and peak bodies, the new qualification will align with national priorities and address identified skills shortages.
What is a Vocational Degree?
A technical qualification that provides learners with access to work-based learning opportunities at AQF level 7, including learning that may be linked with a contract of training where the work-based learning component aligns with applicable standards for the associated industry
Stay up to date
Technical Committee for Vocational Degree (Phase 3)
Ashfaque Chowdhury
Central Queensland University
Senior Lecturer and Discipline Leader
University
Brodie Brunker
Mining and Energy Union Queensland
District Vice President
Union
Hans Hamilton
Australian Defence Force
Commanding Officer and Chief Instructor at the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
Government
Kittikhun (Kit) Pakdeewanishsukho
South Metro TAFE
Head of Program – Applied Engineering
RTO – public
Nathan Heather
BHP
Principal Future Skills
Industry
Paul Baxter
Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU)
Skills & Training National Coordinator
Union
Paul Reynolds
Engineers Australia
Accreditation Board Member; nominated sub-committee chair
Industry association/peak body
Phill Pampling
North Metro TAFE
Lecturer - Fitting and Machining, CAD/CAM/CMM and Robotics
RTO – public
Ray Tolhurst
University of Wollongong
Honorary Principal Fellow and Casual lecturer/Tutor Mining Engineering
University
Sarah Brunton
Electrical Trades Union (ETU)
National Technical Officer
Union
Shane Roulstone
Australian Workers' Union (AWU)
National Organising Director
Union
Mitch Noonan
Theiss (Queensland)
Reliability Specialist
Industry
Michael Paterson
SafeWork SA/MAQOHSC
Mining Team Lead
Licensing/regulatory body
Malcolm Harrison
Rio Tinto (WA)
Senior Advisor, Asset Management Reliability
Industry
Work Integrated Learning Sub-Committee (WILC) for Vocational Degree (Phase 3)
Paul Reynolds
Engineers Australia
Accreditation Board Member; nominated sub-committee chair
Industry association/peak body
Kerry Banyard
South Metro TAFE
Executive Director Engineering, Transport & Defence
RTO – public
Kezia Duncan
Westgold Resources (WA)
Coordinator Apprentices
Industry
Fons Boots
Future Generation JV – Snowy Hydro 2.0
Training Manager – Deputy
Industry
Lauren Conceicao
Skills Frontier (SA)
Managing Director
Subject Matter Expert
Leonnie Taylor
Yancoal – Stratford Coal (NSW)
Health Safety & Training Manager
Industry
Marcello Riotto
Motor Trade Association Queensland
Director
Industry association/peak body
Remi Pereira
North Metro TAFE
Advanced skills lecturer
RTO – public
Rick Ede
RMIT (Victoria)
Project Director – Learn and Earn
University
Stuart Birkin
Box Hill Institute (Victoria)
Head of Department Manufacturing | Automotive | Carpentry | Plumbing
RTO – public
Jenni Champion
Queensland Resources Council
Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor
Licensing/regulatory body
Prabhat Chand
Charles Darwin University (NT)
Lecturer Automotive Engineering
RTO – public
Michael Paterson
SafeWork SA/MAQOHSC
Mining Team Lead
Licensing/regulatory body
Malcolm Harrison
Rio Tinto (WA)
Senior Advisor, Asset Management Reliability
Industry
Project timeline
Project contact
Project Management Office