The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are set to jointly invest $70.5 million over five years to establish Australia’s first TAFE Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence in Western Australia.
Due to the scale and diversity of projects under development across WA, including solar, wind, hydrogen, and batteries, the centre will operate across the state’s TAFE network.
It’s expected to help students support innovation in the clean energy sector, build on existing collaborations, partner with industry to drive skill development, and support participation by more Western Australians.
The WA Government adds that increasing the number of apprenticeships is vital to ensuring Western Australia and the country generally has the skills needed to reach net zero by 2050.
Western Australia Minister for Training and Workforce Development Simone McGurk says the centre is education and training done in the most innovative way, with the Cook Government working with industries and communities to develop clean energy skills.
“In Western Australia, clean energy projects will be located around the state and will require the capability and capacity of all our TAFEs to deliver contemporary training using world-class training facilities,” she says.
“This model will be critical in delivering the skilled workforce in partnership with industry. Partnerships with universities will also be important for the development of new qualifications, such as higher apprenticeships for emerging industries.”
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.
The Albanese Government will commit $32.75 million, matched by the Western Australian Government, and a further $5.04 million to expedite the establishment of the centre.
It’s part of a five-year National Skills Agreement, under which the Albanese Government is investing $325 million — starting on 1 January 2024 — to establish a network of up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence in areas of high skills needs.
Premier Roger Cook says it is crucial to be at the forefront of best practice in skilling and upskilling the state’s workers for clean energy jobs that support the transition.
“As we leverage WA’s natural advantages to become a global clean energy powerhouse, the transition will offer a range of exciting opportunities for Western Australians to pursue careers and take up quality jobs of the future,” he says.
“The new centre of excellence will skill thousands of Western Australians to take up quality clean energy jobs.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: TAFE International WA
