Tag Archives: australia

Why Australia Needs to Invest in Future Skills for a Thriving Economy

St. Joseph, Michigan, USA, 2022-Jun-17 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — As our world becomes ever more technologically advanced, so the requirements for skills are undergoing a dramatic shift. While there has historically been a fear within workforces that computers and robotics will reduce the need for humans to carry out tasks, the opposite is proving to be the case.

Instead, automation is removing the need for humans to carry out tasks that are repetitive and boring, and replacing this with an increasing level of non-routine cognitive tasks. Rather than reducing the number of jobs on offer, tech is causing a shift that requires very different skills from workers.

With this comes a challenge for future investment into the skills that will be in demand in the upcoming years and decades.

The Skills that are Driving Economic Growth

Since before the Industrial Revolution it’s fallen to humans to carry out multiple repetitive tasks that have driven economic growth. Although machines have now taken over much of this element, this has created many other higher order and digital openings that demand an increased level of human expertise in order for an economy to advance. The issue with this is that it’s leading to a shortage of those adept to fill the roles – something that needs to be addressed now if we’re to avoid a dramatic skills shortage in the near and medium-term future.

The so-called STEM skills of science, technology, engineering and mathematics underpin what’s needed to drive the circle of elements that are needed for the future. This circle is made up of the following:

  • Future skills
  • Innovation
  • Thriving economy
  • Jobs
  • Solving social, environmental and economic challenges.

These 5 linked elements are crucial for future economic growth, the well-being of the population and addressing environmental issues, such as disease, food and water supplies alongside climate change.

STEM skills aren’t solely limited to the disciplines mentioned above. Instead, a cross disciplinary aspect is what will be needed to solve many of the quandaries that face future generations. Education is key to developing the critical thinking and capabilities that will arm today’s children and young adults with the skills to solve many of today’s environmental issues as well as ensuring that Australia remains a player on the global stage.

Future predictions say that by 2030 it’s expected that the amount of time workers spend solving problems will double, with more than 77% of their time using mathematical and scientific skills.

STEM Education will Drive the Future Workforce

The shift that’s come from technological change means that going forward virtually everyone is going to need at least a basic level of STEM skills. This will, of course, be spearheaded during mandatory education for those of school age, but also through upskilling of those already in employment.

While this will represent significant cost – it’s been estimated at around $600 billion from 2015 to 2030 – it’s also bringing about economic gain. While this might not be as much as the cost of education in the short term, in the medium to long term this on-going expenditure is essential for a future thriving Australian economy.

Manufacturing and engineering are two examples that are representative of current investment at both local and national scale. Australia’s once world-leading manufacturing industry was allowed to reduce to a mere shadow of its glory days. Thankfully, and with substantial government investment, this is beginning to be turned around.

This, along with strategic education of the current and future workforce, is exactly what’s needed to ensure that our country once again becomes a force to be reckoned with.

Precision engineering and CNC machining providers, SixDe, are at the forefront of this new way of working. Not only has the company invested into its workforce and capabilities, but it provides local WA businesses with an expert supplier in their own back yard.

Discover what makes SixDe stand out from the crowd at https://sixde.com.au and get in contact to discuss your requirements.

Jason De Silveira
Managing Director – SixDe
https://sixde.com.au/

Founder and director of specialist manufacturing and engineering companies for both, SixDe and Nexxis Pty Ltd. Jason has over 20 years’ project management experience on installations, commissioning and start-ups in Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Kuwait, Ghana and Dubai.

SixDe, a Nexxis Company, is a 450m2 locally owned CNC machine shop that delivers manufacturing, rapid prototyping, tooling, and engineering solutions to a variety of Australian industries. Its bespoke precision machining service has delivered competitive and cutting-edge solutions for mining, oil and gas, construction and building companies in Australia and overseas.

The Upside of COVID? Closing Australia’s Skills Gap

The fate of Australia’s diminishing manufacturing industry has long been hanging in the balance – and then?

BIBRA LAKE, Perth, Western Australia , 23-Nov-2020 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Along came COVID-19. For a sector that had been neglected for decades, while the pandemic wasn’t quite the final nail in the coffin, it certainly brought with it the shock wave that made our government sit up and take notice.

And maybe – just maybe – the situation might bring the stars into alignment that will help close the country’s chasm of a skills gap.

Manufacturing is Crucial for Our Economic Recovery

Change is always hard to come by, especially at the extent manufacturing needs. But there are some green roots showing. Thanks to the new government taskforce set up in response to an industry-led recommendation plan, the desperately needed funding for investment and growth is beginning to trickle through.

So what does this mean for the industry, and in particular the small and medium-sized businesses that make up the majority of the sector?

To fully comprehend this we need to drive deep into the rot that’s now endemic throughout. Only by understanding the mistakes that’ve been made and why we have such a major skills crisis, can we begin to turn this unfortunate turn of events around.

By far the most effective way of doing this is to lay bare the biggest error of all, and it all boils down to this: we’ve forgotten the value of local business and manufacturing capabilities. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when this occurred, but if COVID has brought about anything, it’s that we’ve had a hard, sharp lesson as to the importance of local support and expertise. Suddenly the crucial need for home-grown supply chain capabilities has become vital for our businesses and industries, and this can only be brought back up to scratch with a long-term strategy and, most importantly, the necessary funding.

Manufacturing Provides the Building Blocks from which All Other Industries can Grow

The world desperately scrabbled for commodities (ventilators, PPE, toilet roll!) and we were among them. Once upon a time our powerhouse nation boasted some of the best skilled workers on the planet. Today we are but a shadow of our former selves.

So has COVID achieved what many industry experts have failed to do over the previous few decades, and forced the hand of our government to invest in the sector? Perhaps so… What has definitely happened is the following:

  • We’re beginning to understand the many benefits of local support and expertise
  • We’ve realised that the value of local business and manufacturing capabilities is more about quality and service, and less about price
  • The importance of great B2B relationships is something our economy relies on

These are the reasons that, at last, the funding is starting to be put into place for SMEs to be able to upskill their workers and invest in advanced manufacturing processes. It’s only through initiatives such as these that we can become competitive on a global scale. In addition, it gives these companies the opportunity to innovate and commercialise new technologies.

So… Is 2020 the year that manufacturing turns the corner and provides the bedrock necessary for our country to begin to close the skills gap? Only time will tell for sure. But what it has meant is that companies such as SixDe have begun the slow uphill climb – and long may it continue.

An example of this is SixDe’s expansion in preparation of the commercialisation of Magneto, a robotic platform that is the future of inspection robotics. The industry relies on such innovation. With such projects and advancement, we not only get the chance to retrain our current workers, but we lay the foundations that will attract the brightest young minds from around the world to come and live, study and work in our wonderful country. So perhaps, just perhaps, we can drag some positivity from the awful situation that is COVID, and use it to bring about a greater good for Australia.

To find out more about Magneto and the home-produced precision machine components from SixDe, visit www.sixde.com.au or call 08 9434 1112.

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Wormald Urges Watercraft Owners To Consider Fire Protection

As many Australians take to the water to enjoy the long warm summer days, fire protection specialist Wormald is urging watercraft owners and operators to ensure they have adequate fire protection equipment on board.

According to Mark Brown, National Marine Manager with Wormald Technology, regardless of boat size or type, or whether it’s used for commercial or recreational purpose, careful consideration should be given to ensuring fire protection equipment is in place. “Inadequate or improper fire protection can, in the case of a fire, expose those on board to extreme dangers and lead to potential loss of equipment and assets.

“Before setting sail, it’s important to identify all fire hazards and install suitable fire protection equipment. The choice of fire extinguisher, fire blankets and fire detection equipment will depend on a vessel’s type and size so it’s a good idea to consult a fire protection expert”, says Brown.

Powder fire extinguishers ABE are the most widely used type of fire extinguisher and work by discharging a fine powder that smothers fire. Available in a range of sizes, they are suitable for most vessels.

Smoke alarms should be installed in cabin and saloon areas, and thermal detection systems should be considered for spaces where machinery is located. “In the event of a fire, smoke alarms can assist in providing the precious time needed to act or escape. Regularly check that the alarms are working by pushing the test button and replace batteries as necessary.”

Once fire protection equipment is installed, it should be regularly serviced to ensure it is in proper working order. “Any fire protection equipment on board should perform to the standard to which it was originally designed and installed to. Regular checks and servicing can help uncover any faults or issues that may prevent the equipment from working correctly at the time of greatest need,” says Brown.

 

Via EPR Network
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