Category: Apprenticeship with a Degree

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Australia’s first formal degree apprenticeship—the Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in South Australia—represents a significant step in combining academic learning with work-based experience. Developed through a partnership between the Ai Group Centre for Education and Training (Ai Group CET), the University of South Australia (UniSA), and industry partners such as BAE Systems and Consunet, the program allows students to study toward a bachelor’s degree while gaining hands-on experience in a real workplace. This dual approach provides substantial benefits for both students and employers, setting a new standard for workforce development in Australia.

The program enables apprentices to apply their university learning in real time, accelerating understanding and skill development. According to Ai Group CET Executive Director Caroline Smith, apprentices not only gain technical knowledge but also build professional networks, accumulate years of work experience, and earn a salary while studying. Employers benefit by accessing talent early, shaping their learning in line with workplace needs, and ultimately integrating experienced, productive employees into their workforce by graduation.

Australia has a strong history of apprenticeship training, primarily in trade industries. However, this program signals a strategic expansion of the apprenticeship model into professional fields like software engineering. Dr. Smith emphasizes that such programs bridge the traditional gap between vocational education and higher education, responding to the rapidly evolving skill requirements of the modern economy. Ai Group has also supported similar initiatives in other disciplines, including mechanical and electrical engineering.

The success of the Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is largely due to the collaborative approach taken by stakeholders. BAE Systems led structured planning efforts, creating working groups focused on education and employment to ensure the program met both academic and industry needs. UniSA brought flexibility to course delivery, recognizing the need to adapt to workplace timelines rather than traditional academic schedules. Employers like Consunet played a key role in aligning on-the-job tasks with academic content, ensuring that apprentices developed relevant, timely skills.

Apprentice Noah Casey shared how the program allowed him to immediately apply his learning, enhancing both his understanding and confidence. His manager at Consunet, John Hudson, praised the program’s outcomes, noting the strong motivation and growing leadership skills of apprentices. Challenges—such as assigning appropriate tasks in sensitive industries—were addressed through innovative planning and collaboration.

The program also tackled systemic issues, such as wage structures and university fee policies. Ai Group provided guidance on appropriate pay scales, and there is ongoing advocacy for better financial support and tax treatment for employers investing in higher education.

Looking ahead, stakeholders plan to expand the model to disciplines like project management. However, broader adoption requires more employer participation and supportive government policy. The program’s success has proven that degree apprenticeships can deliver tangible benefits from the first year, offering a powerful alternative to traditional pathways and signaling a new era in Australian education and workforce training.

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Australia’s very first group of software engineering students to mix work and study got to hang out with big shots from the defense industry today at UniSA. Thirteen UniSA students are diving into a cool gig this year, splitting their time between hitting the books and getting hands-on experience at three Adelaide defense hotspots – BAE Systems, submarine experts ASC, and electronic warfare pros Consunet. They’re all starting their journey toward a Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours).

Why? Because they’re gearing up to back South Australia’s booming defense scene, especially with those futuristic AUKUS submarines in the pipeline.

Taking a cue from the UK, where students learn and earn at BAE System’s submarine shipyard, these students are doing a blend of school and real-world training. It’s like getting paid to learn, which is pretty awesome.

The SA Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer MP, kicked off this rad program today at UniSA’s Enterprise Hub, with a bunch of industry bigwigs and UniSA’s top academic, Professor Joanne Cys.

This program is a team effort between UniSA, the State Government, the defense industry, and the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group). And it’s got some serious backing, with $450,000 from the State Government over three years.

“This is how the Malinauskas Labor Government is backing our key defense industries in South Australia, helping train up a skilled, ready-to-go workforce,” says Minister Boyer.

UniSA’s Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd is stoked about this program. “We’re super proud to be leading the pack in creating this awesome program with industry and the State Government.”

“This apprenticeship sets our software engineering students up for success from day one. They’ll be learning and earning on the job, getting the skills they need to hit the ground running when they graduate,” Professor Lloyd adds.

Alicia Bawden and Daniel Tweedale are two of the first-year students diving into this adventure. Alicia, just 18, is apprenticed to BAE Systems at Osborne. She’s loving the mix of learning and real-world experience. “It’s cool to see what I’m learning in class actually put to use,” she says.

Daniel, 33, is a mature student who’s been around the block. He’s excited to dive into this program after working as a contractor in the defense industry. “This model suits me perfectly. I’m all about hands-on learning,” he says.

Their courses include everything from IT basics to teamwork exercises, all designed to get them ready for the real deal in the defense world. It’s a whole new way of learning, and they’re loving every minute of it.