Software Engineering Students Combine an Apprenticeship with a Degree
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.
