Overview
HILT CRC’s Education & Training program is a major catalyst for equipping Australia’s future workforce with the skills required to adapt to low-carbon markets and be sustainable for the long term. We provide opportunities to both retain expertise in the industry and attract new entrants to it.
We do this by:
- Providing postgraduate support and industry internships,
- Assisting with VET training to fill skills gaps in the industry,
- Providing professional development to our CRC partners, and
- Disseminating current research results through webinars and conferences.
Postgraduate RESEARCH Opportunities
Through engagement with industry and universities we are training the heavy industry workforce of the future through practical, demand driven research projects with world-leading teams and facilities.
We offer Higher Degrees by Research (HDR), through a PhD or Masters qualification providing you with the opportunity to acquire world-leading training in a field of growing demand to take your engineering career further.
By joining our postgraduate research program, you will work on real industry problems and challenges with the potential for immediate high-impact practical results to decarbonise heavy industry. When undertaking a research degree with us, you will also gain:
Expert knowledge – designed specifically for the heavy industry sector and draws on your foundation of engineering knowledge by developing further skills tailored to transitioning the steel, iron, alumina and cement industries to reduce heavy industry’s carbon emissions.
Invaluable networking opportunities and professional development – benefit from opportunities to collaborate and network with multiple industries and research experts and teams via participating in the HILT CRC specialised webinars, yearly conferences and master classes.
Career outcomes – linked with industry and government, you will gain hands on industry experience to help you develop the skills required to operate in a new low-carbon economy, become an expert in your field, and enhance your employability.
A platform for communicating your findings – your research findings may be presented at industry conferences, published, commercialised and in turn, create a positive impact on society.
For further information, please contact us to learn more about postgraduate research opportunities with HILT CRC and how to apply.
HIGHER DEGREES BY RESEARCH PROJECT AREAS
If you are interested in studying a research degree with us, you can choose a project (or multiple projects) listed below or propose your own by contacting us at hdr@hiltcrc.com.au.
Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (ALUMINext) Project – Next Generation Bayer Process
The Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (ALUMINext) Project will address both the short-term need to de-risk relatively high TRL technologies that can be incorporated as a retro-fit to reduce emissions from current alumina refineries and advance the development of novel technologies needed to unlock a step-change in increased efficiency and reduced cost in next generation net zero refineries. It will do this by further developing the process models that are needed to identify, on a refinery specific basis, the benefits of low-carbon heat supply to calciners and novel steam integration designs that enable recovery of steam that is currently vented from both the calcination and digestion process.
This project will assess the impact of net-zero steam generation or steam recovery technology on new process configurations. This information is essential for process optimisation of the whole alumina refinery.
Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (ALUMINext) Project – Alumina Calcination
The Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (ALUMINext) Project will address both the short-term need to de-risk relatively high TRL technologies that can be incorporated as a retro-fit to reduce emissions from current alumina refineries and advance the development of novel technologies needed to unlock a step-change in increased efficiency and reduced cost in next generation net zero refineries. To mitigate risk and increase process efficiency in electrification or H2 retrofitting/replacement. More details of the fundamentals of these processes within the environments of alumina calciners (retrofitting or next generation) are needed to support the development of new calcination technology.
This project will provide the new experimental data of the behaviour of alumina particles under the conditions of emerging net-zero processes reactors, namely for operation under steam-rich environments.
Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (ALUMINext) Project – New Calcination Technology
The Alumina Refineries’ Next Generation Transition (ALUMINext) Project will address both the short-term need to de-risk relatively high TRL technologies that can be incorporated as a retro-fit to reduce emissions from current alumina refineries and also advance the development of novel technologies needed to unlock a step-change in increased efficiency and reduced cost in next generation net zero refineries. To mitigate risk and increase process efficiency in electrification or H2 retrofitting/replacement. More details of the fundamentals of these processes within the environments of alumina calciners (retrofitting or next generation) are needed to support the development of new calcination technology.
This project will upscale evaluation of net zero calcination technology using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling.
Advanced experiments in thermo-fluids related to net-zero emission industries
Research in thermo-fluid experiments with a focus on use of advanced optical diagnosing methods to study flow dynamic, heat transfer and reactions in lab-scale flows, such as isothermal and reacting particle-laden flows, fluidised beds and hydrogen flames, and on pilot-scale industrial reactors will be undertaken as part of this project. A great opportunity for the next generation of scientists and engineers who are willing to work on thermal engineering (but not limited to) with unique experimental knowledge and skills.
Unlocking Australia's hydrogen industry through geological storage in salt caverns
Macroscopic diapiric inclusions range in size from centimetres to kilometres that are, at present, contained within a salt formation or diapir and can be composed of any rock lithology. Unravelling complex stratigraphic and structural relationships within salt formations and diapirs will aid in developing a better understanding of the viability of economic hydrogen fuel storage that would be suitable for heavy industry. For large-scale storage of hydrogen, the cheapest and safest option is underground in salt caverns. To establish the best location for a salt cavern, it is imperative to identify and de-risk macroscopic inclusions.
The primary objective of this project is to characterise outcrop and subsurface datasets from the South Australia and Northern Territory as analogues to de-risk salt cavern site selections in areas with limited or poor data quality.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND SCHOLARSHIPS
We can provide full, co-funded or top-up scholarships to eligible postgraduate students (Higher Degree by Research students at both Master and PhD levels) across our three research programs at our partner universities.
Why apply for a scholarship with HILT CRC?
- Interact with industry and help solve one of the planets most critical issues
- Work and learn from renowned academics and industry experts
- Attend informative webinars and conferences for professional development opportunities
- Enables you to focus full time on your research studies
The types of scholarships and financial support available usually include:
- Living allowances: also known as a stipend, provides fortnightly payments to help with living expenses and are available for projects with full-time students.
- Tuition fee offsets and waivers: most Australian students are eligible for the Commonwealth Government Research Training Program fee offset. International students are encouraged to enquire about how tuition fee waivers are calculated before applying for a scholarship.
- Other expenses: top-up scholarships can be provided to further assist with living allowances, and other opportunities such as conference travel costs or support for costs associated with the research.
Any student interested in undertaking a postgraduate scholarship is encouraged to review the Scholarship Guidelines and complete the HDR Scholarships Application Form. Details for how to apply for postgraduate scholarships are included in the guidelines.
INDUSTRY INTERNSHIPS
We support our PhD students by offering internship opportunities enabling them to work with our industry partners on HILT CRC related research projects.
By undertaking an internship, students are provided with valuable learning opportunities and workplace experiences to help them become future industry leaders. These experiences allow our students to integrate theory they learn during their PhD studies with practice, in a real-world setting with an industry partner.
Internship placements not only benefits our students but also allows our industry partners to help to nurture tomorrow’s engineering professionals, while gaining access to a dynamic talent pool of upcoming PhD graduates and identifying future employees.
The objectives of the internship program are to:
Connect – talented PhD students with industry to offer a unique skill-set and gain a fresh perspective on new ideas.
Collaborate – facilitate linking industry partners with future engineering industry leaders passionate about learning and their future career.
Contribute – help industry to develop the next wave of talented engineering professionals.
Discover – allow students to gain insight into industry and build their professional networks.
To check your eligibility for an internship placement, please review our PhD Internship Guidelines or contact us for more details.
COURSEWORK DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
In addition to supporting Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students at both Master and PhD levels, we provide financial support for the development of coursework materials at VET, undergraduate and postgraduate levels through the “HILT CRC Coursework Grant” program.
The below education and training providers are eligible to apply for the “HILT CRC Coursework Grant”. If you are interested in applying for the Coursework Development Grant, please contact us at hdr@hiltcrc.com.au for more details.
- The University of Adelaide
- Australian National University
- Curtin University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- The University of Newcastle
- Queensland University of Technology
- TAFE SA
- TAFE WA
- TAFE Victoria
- TasTAFE
- TAFE NSW
- Canberra Institute of Technology
- TAFE Queensland
- Charles Darwin University TAFE
APPROVED COURSES
Masters in Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Systems Major - Queensland University of Technology
This newly developed course which will form one of the two study areas within a masters of renewable energy, will focus on developing knowledge and skills in the systems used in the production and storage of renewable energy; how it is utilised in areas such as electricity generation, sustainable fuels, thermal energy; and how engineers design, maintain, operate these systems. The other study area focuses on knowledge and skills development in the control and distribution of renewable energy in electrical form.
The units being developed can be taken in various courses, including:
- Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Systems, which can be taken as a single course, or incorporated into a full Masters course at a later date (6 month duration).
- Masters of Technology, Renewable Energy; aimed at engineers with 3 or more years of industry experience (12 month duration).
- Masters of Renewable Energy; aimed at recent graduates from an undergraduate engineering degree (18 month duration).
- Vertical Masters in Renewable Energy; incorporating an undergraduate engineering degree coupled with the masters program (5 years duration).
This project will take 12 months, including development of courses and materials. The course’s first offering will be in 2025.
Decarbonisation of Metallurgical Processes - The University of Adelaide
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of metallurgy techniques that are used in the processing of minerals. The course will then introduce examples of new low-carbon technologies and methods that will overcome barriers, and help transition the steel, iron, alumina, and cement industries to decarbonise heavy industry.
At the end of this course students should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the key factors that govern the successful operation of metallurgical processes in the minerals industry. Additionally, they will learn how to integrate low-carbon technologies into existing heavy industry processes.
The course will commence in 2025 (semester 2) for a 12 month duration.
Carbon Capture and Storage in Geological Formations - The University of Adelaide
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a critical technology in mitigating the effects of climate change, which involves capturing greenhouse gas emissions from heavy industries such as steel and cement, oil and gas, and mining, and storing them in underground geological formations.
Students in this course will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of carbon capture and storage in geological formations and will develop the knowledge and skills required to engineer and design effective CCS systems.
The course will commence in July 2024 and will be delivered in intensive format, over 7 days during the semester.
Decarbonisation Case Study, 3D Scan and Learning materials for incorporation into Apprenticeship programs for Electricians, Instrumentation & Control Technicians, Mechanical Fitter - TAFE SA
Students will develop a case study and supporting learning objects working alongside the design and installation of the pilot project with Calix’s Low Emissions Intensity Lime and Cement (Leilac) technology, such as:
- 3D Scan of LEILAC tech being constructed in Kwinana, Western Australia, if possible.
- Process animation to show ‘external’ heating and capture of CO2 features of LEILAC calciner.
- Wiring requirements of calciner and also any additional or upgraded wiring and/or metering to existing site to supply calciner with sufficient current/voltage.
- Instrumentation requirements to allow efficient and safe on-site operation and remote telemetry to Calix if used.
- Mechanical fabrication to structure/framework, calciner vessel and joining pipework/ductwork.
- Hydrogen piping/joining and the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source.
This course is offered as a VET, Certificate 3, and is due for completion in August 2024.
Decarbonisation in Process Engineering - Queensland University of Technology
Designed to be a new mandatory unit in QUT’s existing chemical engineering major (Chemical and Sustainable Process Engineering), bolstering the sustainable process engineering component, and is also offered as an elective to undergraduate mechanical engineering students. It may become a mandatory unit for QUT’s new vertical Masters of Advanced Manufacturing.
It will explore how existing processing facilities can be decarbonised, considering (i) technology options involving fuel replacement, electrification and solar thermal, (ii) energy management given the variable nature of some renewable energy sources and the potential for steam upgrading (e.g. mechanical vapour recompression), and (iii) how carbon consumption is measured through an introduction to Life Cycle Analysis.
This course has commenced and is due for completion in August 2024.
Systems Engineering and Industry Practice (SEIP); Renewable Power Technology (RPT); and Business Management Systems (BMS) - The University of Adelaide
Teaching modules have been developed related to Environment, Social and Governance requirements and benefits in the engineering design process, using heavy industry as a focus. This will go beyond basic considerations of triple-bottom line aspects and include application of (i.e. students being able to undertaken) life-cycle assessments, carbon reporting, and circular-economy development.
Conducted via blended on-line and face-to-face teaching with case studies that are reflective of a range of industry sectors and cross-cutting technologies within those sectors. However, a strong focus that spans most disciplines will be that of heavy industry.
Course levels:
- Systems Engineering and Industry Practice (SEIP): 3rd year undergraduate core course for all engineering students.
- Renewable Power Technology (RPT): 4th year undergraduate and masters coursework elective.
- Business Management Systems (BMS): a core course for 4th year electrical, electronic, and software engineering students, as well as a core course for all masters coursework students.
These courses are due for completion in March 2024.
Industry Training
Heavy industry-focused short courses and micro-credentials at all levels are currently being developed to support lifelong learning initiatives for our industry partners. These will provide a structured ladder of learning and upskilling for employees and include the latest findings from HILT CRC research programs.
We will also have a particular focus on meeting the workforce shortages and skill gaps in regional areas. As such, flexible delivery methods, including web-based learning and weekend block release packages, will become available to maximise employees’ ability to participate in these training opportunities.
Details of training opportunities will be updated here when they become available.
Postgraduate Students
HILT CRC aims to support 45 PhD and 50 Masters students undertaking an industry-focussed research project at one of our 6 partner universities during our 10-year lifetime. Here are some of our postgraduate students who have joined us so far.