Australia’s first higher degree apprenticeship program, developed with the support of Ai Group Centre for Education and Training (Ai Group CET), won a prestigious award last night.
Ai Group CET Executive Director Caroline Smith said she was delighted the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) had been recognised by judges at Universities Australia’s Shaping Australia Awards in Canberra.
The apprenticeship, developed through partnership between Ai Group CET, the University of South Australia and industry partners including BAE Systems Australia was named the winner of the Future Builder category.
The program blends academic study with work-integrated learning, giving students the opportunity to earn while they learn in real-world settings.
This hands-on experience, combined with academic rigor, ensures they graduate as work-ready, experienced software engineers.
The program addresses the challenges of attracting diverse students to STEM fields by removing financial barriers – students are employed full-time from day one and don’t incur additional debt.
“With high demand for the first cohort, this unique model has proven its value, leading to the creation of degree apprenticeships,” judges said.
Dr Smith said the win was a credit to everyone involved.
“Ai Group CET is delighted to see the program recognised through these national awards,” she said.
“This further highlights the value of blending academic study with work-integrated learning to create exciting career pathways and address critical skills needs.”
The Shaping Australia Awards recognised 15 finalists across three categories.
WINNER: An Australia-first university apprenticeship and pathway to a career in STEM.
Click here for more information about the South Australia Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship.
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Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
