history of C2C
In late 2003 a group of advanced manufacturers in Northern Adelaide joined together to provide leadership in addressing the major skills shortages affecting their businesses. BAE Systems, Tenix Electronics, NTS Global, DANA Australia and IMP Printed Circuits were the founding members who have since been joined by Futuris Automotive, Tenix Aerospace, Mincham Aviation, Joyce Foam Products and a number of other local businesses.
The industry partners recognised that there was a need to create a program aimed at high school students which would build relationships between schools and industry and which would result in more young people choosing to enter advanced manufacturing and careers in science, mathematics and technology.
The industry partners became known as NAMIG (Northern Advanced Manufacturing Industry Group). NAMIG, in partnership with local schools, UniSA and TafeSA, City of Salisbury and City of Playford and other organisations have developed and delivered the nationally recognised Concept2Creation Program (C2C) to over 500 students to the end of 2006.
The C2C Program's "product life cycle" approach to applied learning of science, maths and technology helps teachers and students to develop the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Advanced Manufacturing technologies, processes and possibilities through a problem based learning approach, in effect taking an idea from a concept through the manufacturing, project management process to the creation of a product, service or prototype.
Along the way students participate in:
- Targeted industry tours
- Lean Manufacturing Workshops (provided by Holden)
- OHS&W Workshops (TafeSA)
- Electronics and CAD short courses (provided by private RTOs, UniSA and TafeSA).
They are assisted in their project development by expertise provided by industry partners, business consultants, project managers and engineering students from the University of South Australia. The C2C Program and the NAMIG partnership have exceeded all expectations and have been instrumental in increased uptake of science and maths in senior schools and a resurgence of interest in science, maths and technology careers.
Incorporated in February 2007, NAMIG (Northern Advanced Manufacturing Industry Group) Inc has been successful in ensuring Northern Adelaide schools and students will continue to benefit from the flagship C2C Program.
The South Australian and Australian Governments are supporting this major workforce development initiative through funding for the next 3½ years to make sure this valuable program continues and improves.
In the 2½ years the program has been running, 13 primary and secondary schools and over 1000 students have participated in the C2C Program, culminating in the 2007 C2C Expo held on 21 November 2007. It is expected that over 700 more students will be involved over a full semester of study in 2008 and over 1000 in 2009.
