TasTAFE to train next generation of clean energy workforce

Hydrogen could be the energy of the future and TasTAFE is getting in on the ground floor, with a $14M facility to train the workers who will produce the valuable fuel source. DETAILS >>

A new TAFE training facility will help train the workers to produce the clean green energy of the future, Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff says.

The state government has visions of Tasmania becoming the epicentre of the nation’s clean hydrogen industry — converting the state’s abundant clean electricity into an exportable fuel.

Mr Rockliff said he hoped that the new $14 million Trades and Water Centre of Excellence at TasTAFE’s Clarence campus would be a part of that success story.

MORE BUSINESS NEWS:

• Free leg up for Tasmanian entrepreneurs, start-ups
• Childcares warn parents can’t cover fees
• ‘Like the opening of Harrods’: SoHo tip shop madness

The government announced the final $7 million towards the centre as part of its coronavirus stimulus program earlier this month.

Inspecting the site this morning, Mr Rockliff said the government has listened to industry requests for increased training capacity.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Training, Jeremy Rockliff alongside CEO of TasTAFE Jenny Dodd and vice president of Master Plumbers, Michael Overeem. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“The centre will focus on training Tasmanians in the construction and civil contracting industries, including the water and sewerage infrastructure sector and now hydrogen.

“The nation-leading hydrogen training will be delivered alongside qualifications in plumbing, refrigeration and airconditioning and for the first time Tasmania Fire Service fire hydrant training.

“The qualifications will support the Governments Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan, which articulates our vision to use our abundant renewable energy and water resources to be a leader in large-scale renewable hydrogen production by 2030.

The new centre will be build on a greenfield site on the Clarence TAFE campus and

will include a purpose-built workshop and allow for double the student capacity in certificate and diploma level qualifications.

Proposed new Trades and Water Centre of Excellence at Clarence TAFE.

TAFE Tasmania CEO Jenny Dodd said training the workforce of future renewable energy industries would position the state a big boost economically.

“This is a real competitive advantage for Tasmania. This is a place, in renewable energy, that Tasmania really can lead from,” she said.

“I think that that is critical to enabling Tasmania to really find its place in where it can really deepen and strengthen its industry leadership in terms of training.”

The government first announced the Centre of Excellent in February last year. It also formed part of a two-year infrastructure blitz announced in last June’s state budget.

Construction is expected to start later this year.