The federal government and Western Australia state government have jointly invested $70.5 million over the next five years to establish Australia’s first Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence in Western Australia.

The Centre, operating across the WA TAFE network, will be a skills leader in clean energy science, engineering, construction and operation. It will innovate training in clean energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydrogen, batteries and grid integration while fast-tracking the development of higher and degree-equivalent apprenticeship pathways.

Jobs and Skills Australia estimates that the nation needs an additional 32,000 electricians by 2030 and another 85,000 by 2050 to meet the growing demand.

Electrical Trades Union (ETU) national secretary Michael Wright says that the investment in clean energy skills training is a crucial building block for Australia’s transition to a net zero emissions future.

“The Centre of Excellence will play a pivotal role in equipping the next generation of electricians and other skilled workers with the expertise needed to build and maintain the clean energy future,” he explains.

ITECA chief executive Troy Williams says that with the combined contribution of independent skills training providers and public TAFE colleges, the initiative will lead the nation’s clean energy skills training: “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.”

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.