The Australian government has committed $70.5 million over the next five years to establish Australia’s inaugural TAFE Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence in Western Australia.
This ambitious initiative aims to position WA as a leader in clean energy education and training, supporting the nation’s transition to a net-zero future and fostering a Future Made in Australia.
Operating across the WA TAFE network, the centre will spearhead training in clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydrogen, batteries, and grid integration.
It will also fast-track the development and delivery of higher and degree-equivalent apprenticeship pathways, equipping students with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge to support innovation in the clean energy sector.
The Centre of Excellence will:
- Innovate training in clean energy technologies, facilitating advanced learning and skill development.
- Collaborate with WA TAFEs, universities, and industry to create industry-relevant training programs and applied research opportunities.
- Partner with industry to promote skill development and increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and women in clean energy jobs.
- Network with TAFEs nationwide, leveraging partnerships with universities, Jobs and Skills Councils, employers, and unions to build a robust clean energy skills base across Australia.
Given WA’s extensive projects in solar, wind, hydrogen, and batteries, the centre will capitalise on the existing strengths of the state’s TAFE network.
It will expand access to clean energy training opportunities in both metropolitan Perth and regional areas, including Kalgoorlie, Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton, Karratha, and Broome.
WA Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said: “This $70m investment in a Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence highlights the importance of developing and building clean energy skills for the net zero transition and a Future Made in Australia.
“This Centre of Excellence in WA will help develop high-quality, responsive skills training in the critical and rapidly evolving clean energy economy.
“Working with States and Territories, we’re establishing up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence that will help respond to our most critical national skills needs.”
The hub and spoke model will enhance the capability of WA TAFEs, preparing thousands of Western Australians for a clean energy future.
Increasing the number of apprentices in trades such as electrical, engineering, automotive mechanical, plumbing, air conditioning, refrigeration, metal fitting, and machining is vital to ensuring WA and Australia have the skills needed to achieve net zero by 2050.
Under the guidance of an Industry Advisory Board, the centre will provide industry access to comprehensive training and workforce solutions.
The federal government’s investment of $32.75 million, matched by the WA government, includes an additional $5.04 million to expedite the centre’s creation, addressing the growing demand for a skilled clean energy workforce.
WA Minister for Training and Workforce Development Simone McGurk said: “This Centre of Excellence is education and training done in the most innovative way, with the Cook Government working closely with industries and communities to develop clean energy skills.
“In WA, clean energy projects will be located around the State and will require the capability and capacity of all our TAFEs to deliver contemporary training using world-class training facilities.
“This model will be critical in delivering a skilled workforce in partnership with industry. Partnerships with universities will also be important for the development of new qualifications, such as higher apprenticeships for emerging industries.
“WA will become the beating heart of Australia’s development of skills and workforces to enable the clean energy transition, and this will propel the State forward in meeting its target of net zero by 2050.”
