The Deputy Premier of South Australia, Susan Close, together with Defence Trailblazer, have launched Australia’s allegedly first suite of credit-ready Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials.
“Defence Trailblazer’s Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials are a strategic investment in Australia’s future," Close said. “The Micro-credentials directly support defence primes and Australian small-to-medium enterprises to upskill their employees at speed and build a more resilient industrial base in support of Australia’s future prosperity.”
Under Defence Trailblazer’s Industry Upskilling Program, the micro-credentials were codeveloped with the University of Adelaide, UNSW, and Lockheed Martin Australia. The program will aim to address a gap in formal qualification pathways for combat systems engineering in Australia.
“Technological advancements are rapidly transforming the defence landscape and Australia’s defence capabilities must evolve to meet future challenges," Defence Trailblazer’s Executive Director, Sanjay Mazumdar, affirmed. “The introduction of Defence Trailblazer’s Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials is a significant step forward in uplifting Australia’s defence industry.”
The new suite of micro-credentials will consist of six courses including introductory studies in systems engineering, radar systems, command and control, C4ISREW systems & technology, understanding defence systems, and mission engineering.
“Our priority is ensuring Defence and industry professionals are equipped with the vital skills needed to develop the defence technologies of today and tomorrow," Mazumdar added.
The courses will be delivered under a flexible, hybrid learning model by the University of Adelaide and UNSW. Learners can either complete individual micro-credentials or the full suite, depending on their professional development and career needs.
“We are proud to partner with Defence Trailblazer, the University of Adelaide and UNSW. It is incumbent on industry to continually grow the engineering talent pipeline to support the Australian Defence Force’s mission," Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Warren McDonald, stated. “Graduates of the Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials will be professionally trained and equipped with the key skills needed to integrate combat systems across air, sea, land, space, and cyber capabilities that protect Australia.”