The Albanese and Rockliff Governments are partnering to provide a better future for Tasmanians by creating the Tasmanian Clean Energy Centre of Excellence at TasTAFE's Burnie campus.
The centre will train students to work on wind generation and hydro pump technology. It will deliver skills to harness the state's natural resources for clean energy and to support our transition to net zero.
The Albanese and Rockliff Governments will jointly fund the $27.2 million investment, in a huge boost for Tasmania's north-west.
The centre will invest in state-of-the-art equipment for training for the design, construction and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure.
Defining features of the centre include:
- redevelopment of an energy trades facility at TasTAFE's Burnie campus
- an electrotechnology trainer strategy that models industry participation in vocational education and training (VET) to support energy qualifications
- a pilot STEM careers hub and Associated Career Awareness Program to foster uptake in STEM careers
- strategies to lift and sustain training rates and access, focusing on rural, regional and remote learners and diverse cohorts
- 25-room student accommodation which will be critical for students travelling from regional and remote areas to study
Industry and academic experts from other TAFEs and universities will work with the centre on the design and delivery of training. Students will be provided with the opportunity to participate in research to find solutions for sustainable, renewable energy technologies.
Partnerships at the centre will be formed with the renewable energy industry, Jobs and Skills Councils, universities, and unions. An existing partnership through the Tasmanian Government's High-Vis Army Program will also be leveraged.
The Albanese Government will invest $13.2 million through the National Skills Agreement, with funding matched by the Rockliff Government. An additional $800,000 will be allocated through the Albanese Government's Turbocharging TAFE Centres of Excellence initiative.
The centre builds on investment already being made by the Tasmanian Government through initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Action Plan and Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"Australia's renewable energy resources are the envy of the world, and give us a once in a generation opportunity to bring huge social and economic benefits to regions right across the country.
"Developing a new workforce with the right skills and training to deliver the clean energy transition will make a big difference not just for young people starting their career, or for those who want to retrain and make the most of the huge demand for skilled workers. It is the lynchpin for Australia if we're to make the most of the opportunities ahead as we shift to clean, cheap, reliable renewable power."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"The Albanese Government is committed to building a Future Made in Australia, which supports our transition to net zero and we are pulling ever lever we can to get there.
"Together with Free TAFE, the Tasmanian Clean Energy Centre of Excellence will give students the critical skills to work on the renewable technologies Australia will need to successfully reach our goals.
"This Centre of Excellence will provide students with practical experience, which we know is such an important element of training and means graduates will be ready to join the workforce right away.
"Partnerships like this one, between governments, training organisations and industry, are the best way to deliver the skills people need for good, secure work and careers."
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Skills and Training, Felix Ellis:
"It's so important that we open as many doors as we can to get more young Tasmanians on the tools and skilled-up in their chosen field, particularly in our regions.
"We know that by investing in skills and training, we're showing the next generation of young Tasmanians that you don't need to go to university to have great opportunities in life.
"This Tasmanian Liberal Government has an ambitious renewable energy agenda, and we want to ensure we have the workforce to match."
Quotes attributable to Senator Anne Urquhart:
"STEM Careers are seen as essential for Australia's future. To have the Tasmanian Clean Energy Centre of Excellence right here in Burnie is a gamechanger for students and the renewable energy sector."
"This Centre of Excellence will offer students hands-on experience, a crucial component of their training, ensuring that graduates are immediately prepared to enter the workforce.
"We believe that partnerships like this will harness Tasmania's natural resources for clean energy and support our transition to net zero."
