Gippslanders will be at the forefront of training opportunities for Australia's renewable energy future, with the establishment of a $50 million centre in Morwell to support workers into renewable industry jobs.
The Albanese and Allan Governments today launched the Victorian Renewable Energy TAFE Centre of Excellence at TAFE Gippsland's Morwell campus.
From the Centre in Morwell, training will be delivered across Australia's TAFE network in renewable energy technologies, including smart grids and networks, and home electrification services, supported by a consortium including South West TAFE, Holmesglen Institute and Federation TAFE.
Investment in the new TAFE Centre of Excellence will focus on the construction of a $15 million renewable energy digital training facility at the TAFE Gippsland Morwell campus, while $10 million of upgrades will be made to the existing Electricity Supply Industry Training Centre at Holmesglen's Chadstone campus.
The Morwell campus will be the anchor point for the Victorian Renewable Energy TAFE Centre of Excellence, leveraging industry connections and equipping the local workforce with the skills needed for a low-carbon future and the opportunities of Australia's renewable energy future.
The Victorian Renewable Energy TAFE Centre of Excellence will:
- be a national leader in training to support the integration of renewable energy generation and storage assets into the electricity system;
- develop digitally-enabled classrooms, a research and innovation lab and industry responsive training programs;
- provide digital training and virtual reality technology to simulate renewable energy working environments, such as offshore wind and transmission infrastructure;
- focus on Energy Supply Industry (ESI) training and accreditations; and
- provide access to training with large-scale renewable energy equipment.
This is the 18th TAFE Centre of Excellence announced by the Albanese Government since the commencement of the National Skills Agreement in 2024. It is the fourth in Victoria, alongside the Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence, the Digital, AI, and Technology Centre of Excellence, and the Home and Community Centre of Excellence, which are already in operation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"Building a renewable energy workforce is vital for Australia's future, and this Centre of Excellence will open up opportunities for Victorians to skill and upskill."
"Our Government will always support TAFE, its students and its teachers. We know that collaboration between TAFEs, universities and industries are developing the cutting-edge skills we need to grow our economy.
"This Centre will put Gippsland at the forefront of training in new types of energy generation and immersive technologies - opening the doors for locals to lead the way in these technologies nationally and globally."
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE, Colin Brooks:
"Victoria is leading the way in renewable energy, and we're making sure locals in Gippsland have access to the training they need for the jobs of the future.
"We will always support Free TAFE - including right here in Gippsland - giving locals the skills they need for the jobs they want."
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:
"We are proud to continue our work enabling Gippsland's students to access world-class training for jobs in the growing new and renewable energy sector, including through Free TAFE."
