RIO Tinto, in collaboration with the WA government and South Metropolitan TAFE, has launched Australia’s most advanced automation qualification to date.
The Certificate IV in Autonomous Control and Remote Operations was approved by the Training and Accreditation Council (WA), and aims to teach students the knowledge and skills to work at facilities such as Rio’s remote operations centre in Perth.
The Resource Industry Collaboration is led by WA state training board chair Jim Walker and includes Rio Tinto, Santos, Yara, Komatsu, BHP, FMG, South32, Roy Hill, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, TAFE WA, the University of Western Australia and Scitech.
The Certificate IV follows the two courses launched earlier this year, the Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations and a micro-credential course for trade-qualified apprentices and technicians.
Rio said the initial pilot would see about 30 of its employees take part at South Metropolitan TAFE in 2020.
“The course work combines work integrated learning giving our participants the opportunity to apply the new learning and knowledge to work related scenarios in the Control Centre. Pending successful completion of the pilot, the first Certificate IV course may start in 2021,” it said.
Rio iron ore chief executive, Chris Sailsbury, said that people were key to the technological advancement of the company.
“That’s why training and development is so important,” he said.
“These qualifications will provide employees, both current and future, with the skills and training needed to thrive in our evolving industry.
“Rio Tinto has committed A$2 million to the development of these qualifications, which come at a critical time for the industry as we look to ensure vocational education and training programs keep pace with the rapid changes brought about by technology and innovation.”
