A new report detailing the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in the growing micro and nanotechnology industry has been released by the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) and TAFE SA.
The ANFF, which enables micro and nanofabrication research and development through training, expert support and access to tools, worked with TAFE SA to explore future workforce requirements, in particular the skillsets required for manufacturing nanotechnologies.
The findings have been released in the Nanotechnology and Nanofabrication Technicians: Final Report on Essential Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes.
The report is the result of extensive research and analysis conducted by the two organisations which included consultation with industry and considered the demands on technicians and the training available to people working or wanting to work in the field.
The research shows that Australia is well placed to adapt existing training to deliver the skills and qualifications that technicians will need as demand for workers grows.
Using the existing lab technician-style courses within the TAFE offering and adding opportunities with ANFF short courses in nanofabrication, people can acquire the skills they need to work in nanotechnology industries.
ANFF CEO Jane Fitzpatrick says her organisation wanted to proactively assess what was needed to cater for future workforce requirements as nanofabrication-based industries grow in Australia.
“We see that as the nation prioritises these technology areas, it is crucial that businesses can hire employees with the required skillsets to work in cleanroom spaces and understand the processes used to manufacture nanotechnologies,” she says.
“An ever-increasing number of ANFF-enabled projects are reaching maturity, but if they’re to be manufactured on Australian soil we need to make sure the people with the required skills are available.”
TAFE SA Chief Executive David Coltman says working with the ANFF to determine the skills required for the future nanofabrication industry had produced insightful key findings.
“Working in partnership with the ANFF we’ve been able to define the knowledge, skills and attributes that nanofabrication technicians will need and identify where existing qualifications could be useful in meeting these needs,” Mr Coltman says.
“Skilling students for the jobs of the future is an important priority at TAFE SA and it’s been encouraging to note that our qualifications are delivering skills that are highly transferable to this growing industry.”
For more information and to view the report, visit the ANFF website.
Photo: Working in a cleanroom requires specific skills. (Credit: RPF ANFF NSW)