Swinburne University of Technology will help boost digital skills for workers in the construction and advanced manufacturing industries through a range of short courses, funded by the Victorian Government's Digital Jobs Program.
Announced by the Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Danny Pearson, Swinburne will be part of a panel of providers delivering hands-on, immersive training courses to drive digital technology skills and knowledge.
"As a dual-sector institution that is defined by technology and innovation, we recognise how much technology is transforming the advanced manufacturing and construction sectors," said Swinburne Pro Vice-Chancellor of Vocational Education and Training, Madelyn Bolch.
"It's been rewarding to be able to create future-focused short courses and workshops that can equip people with the practical skills required to adopt the technologies transforming these industries."
Swinburne's Director, Factory of the Future & Digital Innovation Lab, Professor Prem Prakash Jayaraman said the program would help address gaps in areas such as digital twins, implementing AI and machine learning, and solving key manufacturing challenges."
"We're thrilled to be utilising our dedicated digital manufacturing Industry 4.0 facility to run a range of industry-led learning courses that address the digital skills gap in advanced manufacturing," said Professor Jayaraman.
Preparing advanced manufacturing and construction industry for digital transformation
Between September 2025 and mid-2027, Swinburne will offer a range of six-week courses for people with both foundational and intermediate levels of digital skills. Full day workshops will also be available for trades and senior leaders wanting a deeper understanding of new and emerging digital technologies.
These non-accredited courses aim to provide intensive skills training in emerging technologies such as AI, building information modelling, and digital manufacturing tools.
"We know many workers in construction need to upskill their digital competency to stay competitive in their careers, and we also know leaders in the field need to be able to empower their teams in adopting digital change", said Ms Bolch.
Swinburne will commence the program with the following courses and workshops running from September to December 2025:
De-mystifying AI in Manufacturing
Digital Manufacturing/Industry 4.0 awareness and experience workshop
Building Information Modelling (BIM) Leadership workshop
Introduction to Building Information Modelling workshop
AI/ML: Foundational skills for Engineering Applications
De-mystifying Industry 4.0/Digital Manufacturing
Digital Design & Manufacturing: Applied CAD/CAM for Industry
"From helping small to medium manufacturing businesses overcome digital technology adoption challenges, we've found that these are the skills needed now for real-world deployment," said Professor Jayaraman.
