The significant joint investment of $70.5 million by the Australian Government and Western Australian Government to establish the nation's first 'Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence' in Western Australia has been welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), higher education, and international education providers.
"With the combined contribution of independent skills training providers and public TAFE colleges, this initiative will lead the nation's clean energy skills training," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
Of note is the Western Australian Government's commitment that the independent RTOs will be involved in the centre's work.
"The Centre will be at the forefront of education and training in clean energy science, engineering, construction, and operation, supporting Australia's transition to net zero and fostering a future made in Australia, so the involvement of independent RTOs is critical success in this area," Mr Williams said.
The Centre will pioneer training in clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydrogen, batteries, and grid integration. It will accelerate the development and delivery of higher and degree-equivalent apprenticeship pathways.
"Through studying with independent and public skills training providers, students will gain essential practical skills and knowledge to drive innovation within the clean energy sector," Mr Williams said
The Centre will work closely with industry to enhance skill development and support the inclusion of more Western Australians in clean energy jobs, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and women.
"Given that independent RTOs lead on all metrics of employer satisfaction, ITECA members are looking forward to using this expertise to ensure that this initiative delivers the outcomes needed not only in Western Australia but across the nation," Mr Williams said.
Given the diverse and expansive clean energy projects in solar, wind, hydrogen, and batteries across Western Australia, the Centre will leverage the strengths of independent providers across Western Australia.
"ITECA aims to ensure that this initiative expands access to clean energy skills training at both independent RTOs and TAFE campuses in metropolitan Perth and regional areas such as Kalgoorlie, Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Karratha, and Broome. This shouldn't be a stretch as official data shows 81.4% of the 78,575 rural, regional and remote students in skills training across Western Australia study with independent RTOs," Mr Williams said.
ITEA highlighted the need to ensure a student-centred approach to the establishment of the Centre.
"As the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence formed, ITECA looks forward to working with the Western Australian Government to ensure that students are at the heart of its establishment decisions," Mr Williams said.
