Meloncelli D1, Herne C1
1QCIF Digital Research, , Australia
Biography:
Dr Danny Meloncelli is Head of Skills Development at QCIF, leading workforce development initiatives across the National Research Infrastructure community. Since joining QCIF in 2022, he has delivered training and consultation to support researcher capability building and community development. He holds a PhD in Chemical Sciences from the University of the Sunshine Coast, a Master of Data Science from UNSW and is Carpentries Certified. As lead for the DETSI-funded Quantum Workforce Readiness project, Danny has designed pathways connecting vocational learners to research infrastructure. His work focuses on designing scalable, impactful learning experiences that strengthen workforce readiness in emerging technology sectors.
Abstract:
Australia's quantum and advanced technology sectors require a diverse, technically skilled workforce built from pathways spanning secondary, vocational and higher education. Historically, research infrastructure environments where specialised skills are developed and deployed have been underutilised for training vocational students. This presentation describes how opening doors to research infrastructure through direct placement can create meaningful career pathways for vocational learners and strengthen industry readiness.
The ANFF-QLD Work Experience Pilot, delivered in Q1 2026, engaged three TAFE Queensland students in a structured six-week program at the Australian National Fabrication Facility Queensland node. Participants attended one day per week for approximately 50 hours of supervised work experience, gaining hands-on exposure to nanofabrication, photolithography, microfluidics, photonics and metrology. The facility independently assessed program outcomes, rating five of seven delivery objectives as achieved. Participants strongly agreed that the experience was valuable, indicating genuine engagement and skill development in a real-world research environment.
Beyond validating feasibility, the pilot identified three key design parameters for scaled delivery of future programs: supervision intensity, onboarding requirements and enrolment compliance. We have developed a tiered engagement model (Tier 1 exposure; Tier 2 structured shadowing; Tier 3 intensive placement) that addresses each parameter and enables delivery across multiple host sites. This presentation provides evidence-informed guidance on how research infrastructure can support workforce development, with implications for infrastructure strategy, vocational education design and quantum-sector workforce planning.
