Jobs and skills will get a major boost from global engineering giant Siemens’ record investment in the future of advanced manufacturing in Queensland, with the University of Queensland (UQ) announced as a recipient of a Siemens software grant.
More than 2,500 Siemens advanced industrial software licences, with a commercial value of more than half-a-billion dollars, will allow UQ students in multiple disciplines to familiarise themselves with programs used in new industries.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Siemens Australia Chair and CEO Jeff Connolly and UQ Vice-Chancellor Peter Høj to announce the partnership to prepare for the future of Queensland’s manufacturing sector.
"I thank Siemens for their generous contribution, which is about job creation, skills development and supporting greater innovation in our state," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"It’s a timely pointer to our Skills and Industry Summit on November 28th, when industry, small business, higher education, unions and Government will discuss Queensland’s readiness to meet labour force needs in the years ahead.
"This grant gives students hands-on experience using the digital tools and software platforms they’re likely to encounter when they enter the workforce.
"I congratulate Siemens and the University of Queensland for this partnership which is a great example of the co-operation between industry and educators that the Skills Summit will stimulate.
"It complements the Advance Queensland 10-year Advanced Manufacturing Roadmap and Action Plan, which supports Queensland manufacturers as they transition to become advanced manufacturers and create the jobs of the future.
"In 2019, we’ll be running even more events to support jobs in our manufacturing sector."
Siemens has been operating in Australia for 145 years, with around 2,200 employees across the country, including 450 in Queensland, across our transport, energy and mining sectors and medical research sectors.
