The Gippsland region is set to play a central role in Australia’s transition to renewable energy, with the launch of a $50 million training initiative aimed at preparing workers for jobs in the sector.
The federal and state governments today unveiled the Victorian Renewable Energy TAFE Centre of Excellence at TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus, positioning the region as a national hub for renewable energy education and workforce development.
The centre will deliver specialised training across Australia’s TAFE network, focusing on renewable energy technologies such as smart grids, energy networks, and home electrification services.
The initiative will be supported by a consortium that includes South West TAFE, Holmesglen Institute, and Federation TAFE.
A significant portion of the investment will go toward infrastructure, including the construction of a $15 million renewable energy digital training facility at Morwell.
An additional $10 million will fund upgrades to the existing Electricity Supply Industry Training Centre at Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus.
The Morwell campus will serve as the anchor for the Centre of Excellence, leveraging strong industry connections to equip the local workforce with the skills required for a low-carbon economy.
The centre is also expected to strengthen Gippsland’s position as a leader in renewable energy training and innovation.
The Victorian Renewable Energy TAFE Centre of Excellence will be designed to support the integration of renewable energy generation and storage into Australia’s electricity system.
It will feature digitally enabled classrooms, a dedicated research and innovation lab, and industry-responsive training programs.
Students will also benefit from immersive learning tools, including virtual reality simulations of offshore wind farms and transmission infrastructure, as well as access to large-scale renewable energy equipment.
This initiative marks the 18th TAFE Centre of Excellence announced by the federal government since the National Skills Agreement commenced in 2024, and the fourth in Victoria.
It joins existing centres focused on housing construction, digital and AI technologies, and home and community services.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the new centre would be critical to building Australia’s future workforce.
“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.”
Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Colin Brooks said the project would ensure local communities benefit directly from the state’s renewable energy transition.
“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.”
The centre is expected to begin delivering training programs as construction and upgrades progress, helping to meet growing demand for skilled workers in Australia’s expanding renewable energy sector.
