The ACT's nation leading transition to renewable energy is proposed to be backed by a major investment in skills through the ACT's TAFE.
The ACT Government will propose to the Commonwealth that a new centre of excellence be established at CIT Fyshwick as part of the National Skills Agreement struck last year.
The centre of excellence proposal, to be negotiated with the Australian Government, would expand CIT's nation leading Electric Vehicle Training Centre to train more EV automotive technicians and support the electrification of the economy.
New funding announced today, will also support the feasibility of a broader Future Energy Skills Hub at CIT which will incorporate the centre of excellence, and support expansion of training in electrotechnology.
ACT Government modelling has found that at least 1,280 additional electricians and 270 more electrical engineers will be needed in the ACT before 2045 to meet growing demand.
Increasing the number of apprentices, particularly in the electrical trades, will be vital to ensure there are people who have the skills to install the right technology in homes and businesses to make the best use of renewable energy.
The Hub would primarily focus on the electrical trades to mitigate local and national skills shortages and the exploration of a skills pathway to support those working in the gas industry.
Programs like the government's award winning Sustainable Household Scheme are also increasing demand for workers with skills in the renewables sector.
This action forms part of the ACT Government's upcoming Renewables Industry Skills Plan which will address skills and workforce issues in the short-, medium- and long-term, following consultation last year.
Total funding towards scoping and design for the Future Energy Skills Hub is $500,000 over two years.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
"The ACT continues to lead the world in taking action on climate change. Since 2020 the ACT has been powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity, and the ACT Government is committed to phasing out fossil fuel gas by 2045 at the latest.
"As an early adopter, the ACT can be at the forefront of skills and training by working with local institutions to bridge the gap in skills needed to support Canberra's electrification.
"Emerging opportunities over the coming decades will create more jobs in renewables and increase demand for skilled workers. A Future Energy Skills Hub will ensure our workforce is prepared for the transition to the new economy.
"This is an important part of our plan to reach a target of 300,000 jobs by 2030."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills Chris Steel:
"Our economy is electrifying and the occupation that is at the centre of this energy revolution is the electrician.
"The electrification of everything is going to create lots of new electrical jobs but also require the reskilling and upskilling of workers in other trades.
"CIT Fyshwick is the ACT's trades training centre and reshaping the campus into a Future Energy Skills Hub will make it a centre of excellence for skills required in the new economy.
"By supporting a strong VET system and delivering advanced training in emerging industries we can make sure Canberrans have the right skills for the jobs of the future."
