The State and Federal Governments are targeting clean energy skills development with a
$70 million investment over five years.

The funding will establish Australia’s first TAFE Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence.

Premier Roger Cook said increasing the number of apprentices, particularly in trades such
as electrical, engineering, automotive mechanical, plumbing, air conditioning, refrigeration, metal fitting and machining is vital to ensuring WA and Australia have the skills needed to reach net zero by 2050.

The centre will operate across the WA TAFE network and be a skills leader in clean energy science, engineering, construction, and operation, supporting the net zero transformation
and a Future Made in Australia.

Announcing the centre, the State and Federal Governments said it will:

• Innovate training in clean energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydrogen,
  batteries and grid integration, and fast-track development and delivery of higher
  and degree-equivalent apprenticeship pathways.
• Equip students with practical skills and knowledge-based capabilities to support
  innovation in the clean energy sector.
• Build on existing collaborations between WA TAFEs, universities, and industry to co-design
  industry relevant training programs, facilitate applied research, and strengthen entry pathways between VET and higher education.
• Partner with industry to drive skill development and support participation of more Western Australians, including Aboriginal and
  Torres Strait Islander people and women, in clean energy jobs.
• Network with TAFEs in other states and leverage partnerships with universities, Jobs and Skills Councils, employers, and unions to
  build the clean energy skills base across Australia.

Under the guidance of an industry advisory board, the Centre of Excellence will create a front door for industry to access comprehensive training and workforce solutions.

It will expand access to clean energy skills training opportunities at TAFE campuses in metropolitan Perth and in regional areas including Kalgoorlie, Albany,
Bunbury, Geraldton, Karratha, and Broome.

The Federal Government will invest $32.75m, matched by the State Government, as well as a further $5.04m to accelerate the creation of the centre to help
meet the demand for a growing clean energy skilled workforce.

Federal Skills and Training Minister Brendan O'Connor said: “This Centre of Excellence in WA will help develop high-quality, responsive skills training in the critical
and rapidly evolving clean energy economy.”

Mr Cook said: “It is important that we are at the forefront of best practice in skilling and upskilling our workers for (future) clean energy jobs.”

Return to eNews