The intake comprises first year software engineering students (pictured above) at the University of South Australia who have recently commenced work with companies including BAE Systems Australia, Consunet and ASC as part of the groundbreaking program aimed at meeting industry demand for software engineers.
Drawing on funding from the South Australian Government and industry partners, UniSA has worked with industry to design an integrated program that inducts 13 apprentices into the honours degree, which will be completed over five years. The degree incorporates a mix of educational and vocational on-site workplace training.
This is the first time in Australia that an apprenticeship will be delivered under a formal training contract at the degree level, with participants paid to attend work and study at university while being provided with the on-job training.
BAE Systems Australia Chief People Officer Angela Wiggins said: “Our national workforce of around 6,000 is growing and we are working closely with the UniSA and our other education partners on innovative approaches to meet our workforce needs.
“This degree apprenticeship program is a world-class example of industry, the education sector and government working together for the benefit of Australia and to underpin the nation’s prosperity.”
“When they graduate, these students will have five years’ work experience and a degree in a skill area that is in demand.”
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd said: “These apprenticeships are designed to embed software engineering students into SA’s defence sector from day one.
“By learning – and earning – on the job and integrating university study into their week, they will be able to hit the ground running when they graduate, equipped with the right skills.”
Degree Apprentice Daniel said: “I’ve worked within defence as a contractor before and was keen to get involved.
“As a hands-on learner, the apprenticeship model makes sense for me as I’m able to put university theory into practice.
“I'm really happy with the path I'm on with BAE Systems as a software engineer - I've got a great team behind me and I’m working on some cool stuff.”
Degree Apprentice Alicia said: “I developed an interest in software engineering after studying coding in high school and really enjoy the blended learning experience the apprenticeship offers.
“It’s an opportunity to get first-hand experience working in the engineering environment and it enables you to implement what you learn at university into a real-world situation.”
How the program works
- Supported by funding from the South Australian Government, apprentices can study the University of South Australia’s Software Engineering (Honours) degree over five years while being employed in a paid position working for companies including BAE Systems Australia.
- This unique combination of paid work and study allows for immersive on-the-job training and ensures the apprentice graduates with the knowledge and skills required of a software engineer.
- Those who successfully complete the five-year apprenticeship will receive their degree and a trade certificate. They will also graduate debt-free.
- There is increasing demand for qualified software engineers across BAE Systems Australia’s Hunter Class Frigate Program and JORN over-the-horizon radar program, both located in Adelaide.