Case study Australian Expedition Vehicles

Queensland Higher Level Apprenticeship Pilot Program Case Study

A niche business that specialises in advanced engineering for vehicle builds and upgrades, Australian Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is 100% indigenous owned and operated.  AEV is proudly fully certified and registered with the leading Indigenous business to business network, Supply Nation.  

AEV already holds State and Federal Certification to design, build and repair vehicle upgrades to exacting standards with professional expertise and experienced workshop team members.  The business is an early adopter investing in leading vehicle modifications testing technology and now seeks to expand its workforce capabilities in this focus area through the QLD Higher Apprenticeship Pilot to acquire the latest in modern Industry 4.0 and digital technologies skills. 

One of the first businesses to put their hand up to engage in the Pilot, AEV nominated their employee Brian Siebert up front despite that he was still registered and undertaking his final stage training for his Cert III in Engineering Mechanical Fitter.  

That first challenge was overcome by mid-2020 when Brian completed his trade certificate ahead of commencing the Diploma of Applied Technologies in the Higher Apprenticeship NQ Pilot group along with 14 other participants. 

Both Brian and AEV are looking forward to adding enhanced and customised bespoke designing capabilities to the business capabilities including the potential for automated processes and robotics in welding and assembly work in future. Brian aims to build on his past experience and background in the field to add to his new trade qualification with advanced CAD and CAM skills required in modern advanced manufacturing processes. 

Brian Siebert with AEV Managing Director Michael McMillan 

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is continuing the national rollout of the Industry 4.0 Higher Apprenticeship Pilot programs. Project Officer Peter Jasch has finalised 43 placements into Brisbane and Townsville based training groups allocated via Expressions of Interest from businesses. Training for the Diploma of Applied Technologies will be delivered under modified apprenticeship arrangements by TAFE QLD in partnership with Skills Lab, an RTO division of SAGE Automation. The QLD Higher Apprenticeship Pilot program is funded by the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.