04 May 2009
Fellowships help source skills for Australian industries
Two RMIT educators have triumphed at the 18th International Specialised Skills Institute (ISSI) Fellowship Awards.
Dr Amita Iyer, Senior Educator – Mechanical from the School of Engineering (TAFE), won an ISS Institute/TAFE Fellowship and Tina Marino, Fashion Design Teacher from the School of Fashion and Textiles, won an ISS Institute/Italy (Veneto) Fellowship. Both prizes were sponsored by Skills Victoria.
Dr Amita Iyer (left) and Tina Marino (right) are presented their certificates by ISS Institute’s Patron in Chief, Sir James Gobbo, AC, CVO.
Dr Iyer’s report was about engineering skill deficiencies, looking at design and manufacturing techniques of squeeze casting – processing variables such as die temperature, applied pressure, pouring temperature, surface finish, die life and heat treatment.
She said: “I am very interested in visiting the USA or Japan with my Fellowship, where squeeze casting is an accepted and widely used method.
“I want to research the benefits of the method and find out why companies are so comfortable using it in both these countries.
“I am very pleased to be offered the opportunity to travel overseas and research valuable information for engineering practices, that I can bring back to benefit the industry in Australia.”
Ms Marino’s report focused on fashion skill deficiencies and looked at fashion design; draping for fitting, prototyping garments and pattern-making; and tailoring and couture finishing techniques.
She said: “I’m over the moon with being awarded a Fellowship, it really is a dream come true.
“I plan to visit the Veneto region in Italy to meet with industry and educators there, as well as seeing key exhibitions in Paris and connecting with the Yves Saint Laurent Foundation.
“I want to research many issues including drapery, pattern making, tailoring and the artisan field in couture, where traditional methods are used with a modern twist.
“I hope to make contacts to invite back to Australia for workshopping ideas and educating the industry here.”
Since 1991, ISSI has awarded 192 Fellowships, with 25 of these to International Fellows. All Fellows are experts in their fields and are from diverse industries, including nanotechnology, aquaculture, building/construction, engineering, heritage, fashion/textiles, food, automotive, sustainability and energy.
For information about the 2009 Skills Victoria TAFE Fellowships, contact the ISS Institute on (03) 9882 0055.
