Case study QPlas

Queensland Higher Level Apprenticeship Pilot Program Case Study

A shovel ready project new to North Queensland, QPlas recently acquired and relocated a fully operational plastics manufacturing factory from Frankston VIC to Townsville NQ aiming to produce sustainable wood/plastic composite products. Setting up is underway for the business to re-manufacture large quantities of local agricultural, council and community plastic wastes in a process that mixes it with surplus waste hardwood from sustainable NQ African Mahogany plantations.  

Using machinery that includes some equipment being the only type and unique in Australia, QPlas plans to redirect and mix over 7,000T of waste plastics with 3,000T of waste timber per annum to create a range of value-added products from just one working shift. This will prevent all sourced materials from being left in the environment, going to landfill, or being burnt. Able to produce a wide range of long-lasting sheeting and extruded products, the QPlas manufacturing process is carbon neutral and when matched with expected increased planting of further plantation timbers, will achieve sound environmental credentials.      

QPlas owners are proud to have acquired a large accessible site that is suitable for large scale materials handling and processing. Planning for setting up a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility, they will implement lean manufacturing processes requiring digital platforms with IoT connectivity. The business will provide high-tech jobs and engage with high schools to offer training and work experience opportunities.  Participating in the QLD Industry 4.0 Higher Apprenticeship Pilot will be a great starting point for QPlas to acquire the new skills required to operate the business!   

 Nicholas Tiley joined QPlas with qualifications and a background in Information Technology, bringing software and programming knowledge to the project. He is keenly interested in the automation of processes and aims to digitalise functions in future through connecting the mechanical with software and PLC control systems. Nicholas hopes that the Pilot training will also advance his capabilities and ability using CAD to fully and effectively link up with CAM technologies to integrate in QPlas’ future operations.  

Tec-NQ’s Work Experience student Jack Itzstein, QPlas CEO Nick Leywood and Pilot participant, Nicholas Tiley with Ai Group’s Higher Apprenticeship Pilot Project Officer, Peter Jasch 

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.