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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Degree Apprenticeships: Emilia's story

    Emilia is a first-year mechanical engineering student at Flinders University, currently placed at ASC as an apprentice mechanical engineer.

    Emilia's experience

    Emilia says the prospect of real workplace experience is what attracted her to the degree apprenticeship in the first place, and the program has certainly delivered.

    “This apprenticeship gives you so much exposure to real practices,” Emilia said.

    “I get to go down to the workshop, see what I’m actually working on, and then work on it. I wasn’t expecting it to be so hands-on.”

    “Knowing that you’re contributing to something so much bigger on a national level, it really does give you a deeper sense of purpose.”

    Paul, Workforce Training Partnerships Manager at ASC said “The initial feedback that we’re getting from our apprentices is their deep connection to what we do for defence. The purpose behind it is really embedded in the program."

    Professor Giselle Rampersad, Dean of Education in the College of Sciences and Engineering at Flinders University said “Degree apprenticeships are transforming how we address workforce skills shortages in high-demand sectors such as engineering."

    "Flinders University is proud to lead South Australia’s first mechanical engineering degree apprenticeship, in collaboration with defence industry, SA and Federal governments, blending academic excellence with hands-on industry experience to build a highly skilled defence industry workforce.”

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