Seeley International has announced a new partnership with TAFE SA and Flinders University at Tonsley to establish a research and development centre for new energy efficient cooling and heating technologies.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides an opportunity for TAFE SA and Flinders University students to have direct access to Seeley International’s state-of-the-art facilities and some of the world’s best cooling and heating experts.
Under the initiative, students will utilise Seeley International’s research, manufacturing and recently completed $1m-plus testing facilities at Lonsdale for real-world training and receive guest lectures from Seeley International engineering specialists.
TAFE SA and Flinders University will also deliver training programs for Seeley International staff.
The Agreement supports the vision of the Tonsley precinct to be a hub for innovative research, design, product development and manufacturing support for business activity across sectors such as clean technology, mining and energy, green construction and medical technologies.
The MOU was greatly facilitated by Hon. Dean Brown AO, bringing together academics and industry for primary research, laboratory testing, field demonstrations, education and advocacy related to climate appropriate cooling technologies.
Seeley International Founder and Executive Chairman, Mr Frank Seeley AM said the initiative would provide students with practical on-the-job learning with the team as well as access to facilities that have helped develop a number of market-leading and global award-winning products.
Mr Seeley also announced an annual scholarship for a TAFE SA student to undertake Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanical Training at Tonsley. Valued at $6,000 per year, the Seeley International/Playford Scholarship aims to encourage young people to enter the industry and gain a trade.
TAFE SA will become the first tenant to open its doors at Tonsley when students start arriving at the new $120 million campus in January. As part of Tonsley TAFE SA’s focus on developing skills for a more sustainable industry, new courses will be offered in two new areas – renewable energy and water operations.
Around 6,500 Building and Construction students will undertake traditional trades training under one roof across 26 disciplines including electrical, refrigeration and air-conditioning, plumbing, carpentry and joinery, furnishing and building, interior design and drafting, painting and decorating, bricklaying, plastering and tiling.
TAFE SA, Chief Executive, Mr Jeff Gunningham said TAFE was delighted to be partnering with Seeley International and Flinders University. He adds partnering with Flinders University is part of an ongoing commitment to connecting TAFE SA and university initiatives to provide enhanced tertiary education options for South Australians.
Flinders Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Barber said the new collaboration with TAFE SA and Seeley International offered valuable teaching and research opportunities for engineering students, particularly in the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering.
Professor Barber added Flinders’ students will have the opportunity to gain real insights into an advanced manufacturing business with work-integrated learning placements at Seeley International of up to 20 weeks. Researchers will also join forces with Seeley International to explore new frontiers in energy efficient cooling and heating technologies and make a positive contribution towards a less energy intensive future.
Flinders University’s presence at Tonsley will be the largest single investment in educational facilities made by the university since it was established nearly 50 years ago. Work has already commenced on the six-storey $120 million building, which will be home to the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, the Medical Device Research Institute, Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology and the New Venture Institute from 2015.