A new TAFE Centre of Excellence will deliver innovative clean energy training to help set up Queensland as a skills leader in clean energy battery technology and training.
The TAFE Queensland Centre of Excellence - Clean Energy (Batteries) will fast-track higher and degree-equivalent apprenticeship pathways for development and delivery.
The Albanese and Miles Labor Governments are jointly investing $20 million to establish the centre as a state-wide initiative that will be coordinated through TAFE Queensland SkillsTech.
The centre will operate across the TAFE network to develop highly qualified training in emerging battery technologies and support the national transition to clean energy and net zero.
The Centre of Excellence will:
- deliver targeted training in renewable energy batteries, intermittent renewable energy source storage, grid connectivity, network embedded storage at large and small scales, and electric vehicles
- develop training products to increase participation and upskilling of priority cohorts for emerging skills needs in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of renewable energy systems and batteries
- develop higher level apprenticeship and degree level apprenticeship pathways, including through the Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician and the Bachelor of Engineering/Electrical Science
- support training delivery to existing and emerging workforces through collaboration with the National TAFE Network to enhance industry currency across the training sector.
The Centre of Excellence will work with TAFE campuses across Queensland, universities, Jobs and Skills Councils, unions and industry stakeholders to drive growth in the clean energy sector by improving and innovating training for clean energy battery technologies and developing higher apprenticeship pathways.
In particular, the centre will build on an existing partnership with the Queensland University of Technology to develop new training programs and course materials.
Increasing the number of apprentices across the renewable energy sector is vital to ensure Queensland and Australia have the skills needed to reach net zero by 2050.
The Albanese Labor Government and States and Territories are investing $650 million under the five-year National Skills Agreement that began on 1 January, to establish a network of up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence in areas of high skills needs to help deliver a skilled workforce for strategically important industries.
Further investment in TAFE includes our record $1.5 billion in the Fee-Free TAFE program, in partnership with states and territories, the $155 million National TAFE Network to improve teaching and learning practices, $58 million to support VET nursing students during work placements and $50 million for the TAFE Technology Fund to upgrade campus facilities.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"The TAFE Centre of Excellence shows what can happen when the Albanese and Miles Government work together to put TAFE at the heart of the vocational education and training sector.
"This networked Centre will drive growth in the clean energy sector by improving and innovating training for clean energy battery technologies not just in Queensland but across Australia.
"Boosting collaboration between industry, universities and the VET sector will strengthen the VET system by providing high-quality and responsive skills training as we transition to a net zero economy."
Quotes attributable to the Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum:
"Only the Miles and Albanese Governments can deliver a Clean Energy TAFE Centre of Excellence in Queensland because only Labor has a plan for more jobs and a cheaper, cleaner SuperGrid.
"This Centre of Excellence means more Queenslanders will get state-of-art clean energy training and skills development that will set them up for life as we keep on track to meet or beat our target of 70% renewables by 2032.
"Labor's signature Free TAFE is delivering cost-of-living relief while removing financial barriers to training, and this new Clean Energy Centre of Excellence is a pathway for Queenslanders looking to become highly skilled SuperGrid superheroes in high paid, hi-vis careers.
"We're doing what matters for Queensland."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic:
"We're supercharging our homegrown battery industry to ensure Australians have more well-paid jobs, with a pipeline of skilled talent crucial to supporting manufacturers to make more things here.
"Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to back new industries as we move to net-zero, with a pool of highly skilled workers to cement our position as a global clean-energy superpower.
"Growing our domestic manufacturing capability is about more than just delivering on our ambition to reach net zero by 2050, it's about creating real jobs now and into the future."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Moreton, Graham Perrett:
"The clean energy economy is one of Australia's fastest expanding economic sectors. To meet the demands of this growth it is critical we address workforce skills challenges.
"This new TAFE Centre of Excellence will be a major drawcard encouraging students in my local community to get the skills they need to participate and prosper in a rewarding career in the clean energy sector."
"This announcement is just another way that Labor is supporting Australian workers into the jobs of the future."
