A double qualification while gaining valuable experience
Earn and Learn will be implemented at RMIT through a five-year Mechanical Engineering pathway, beginning in the College of Vocational Education (CoVE), commencing in 2025.
Students will undertake two years of vocational training with the Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical) before transferring to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) in STEM College, while employed at an industry partner.
In this part of the model, students will complete the final three years of their tertiary qualification in the higher education stream, earning both a vocational and higher education qualification while attaining valuable skills and experience in the workplace.
Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) is one of the industry partners who will be taking on students through the Mechanical Engineering Earn and Learn program.
From 2025, five engineering students will work for five years in the SRLA team building the 16-kilometre southern section of the SRL East twin tunnels – which will be constructed by leading global consortium Suburban Connect.
SRLA CEO Frankie Carroll said SRLA was excited to be participating in RMIT’s Earn and Learn Program.
“Suburban Rail Loop will help train the next generation of highly skilled workers, with opportunities for hundreds of cadets, trainees and apprentices – and this program is a fantastic opportunity to give young Victorians a leg up in the industry,” he said.
Another key partner, BAE Systems Australia, Chief People Officer Angela Wiggins said graduating apprentices would step into the company’s workforce with five years’ experience applying theory into practice.
“BAE Systems is an enthusiastic supporter of degree apprenticeships because we know they work,” she said.
“We already have two programs in South Australia, and we have 15 years of UK experience across 26 different disciplines that demonstrates how successful this program can be with partners such as RMIT University.”
“This program is a world-class example of industry, the education sector and governments working together for the benefit of Australia.”
Ixom Senior HR Business Partner Rebecca Williams said as an industry leader in chemical manufacturing and distribution, Ixom had a “critical interest” in addressing engineering skills shortages.
“The Earn and Learn model gives us access to much-needed early career mechanical engineering apprentices in the short term, while supporting a future pipeline of highly qualified graduates and a strong future for STEM education in Australia,” she said.
“IXOM is very proud to be working with RMIT as an industry partner to deliver this outcome.”
If you’d like more information about RMIT’s Earn and Learn model, including details on getting involved as a student or industry partner, visit this webpage: Earn and Learn at RMIT: our industry-based learning model - RMIT University
To find out more about the Mechanical Engineering Earn and Learn pathway, visit our program page: Degree Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering - RMIT University
Story: Finn Devlin