TAFE partnerships get $1.4 million boost for clean energy jobs
- Albanese and Cook governments investing in clean energy training innovation
- Four WA-led projects awarded $1.4 million through WA’s Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence
- Projects focus on remote learning, First Nations learning on Country, and Artificial Intelligence supported training delivery
Four Western Australian TAFEs are teaming up with industry to share $1.4 million in grants to advance innovative clean energy training across the State.
Funded through the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence (CESNCE), the Applied Research Grant Program drives collaboration between training providers and industry to develop scalable training programs.
As Australia’s first National Centre of Excellence dedicated to clean energy skills, the CESNCE is the gateway to the nation’s clean energy training system, connecting partners, supporting innovation, and helping build Western Australia’s clean energy workforce.
Projects funded will address key training challenges such as electricians switching to wind turbine installations, streamlining assessment for tradespeople moving into clean energy jobs, creating culturally appropriate training for Aboriginal people, and developing Virtual Reality (VR) training for apprentices in remote areas.
The Albanese and Cook governments have provided joint funding of $70.5 million under the National Skills Agreement to establish the CESNCE in WA.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“When I was last in Western Australia I saw firsthand how homegrown TAFE students and apprentices are getting skills in clean energy industries – skills that will set them up for life, and our country for its future.
“It’s great to see these four TAFEs receiving funding that will enable even more students from WA to benefit from cutting-edge skills and training.
“Labor is the party of TAFE – and both the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are proudly delivering the skills West Australians want, for the jobs we need.”
Quotes attributable to Western Australian Minister for Skills and TAFE, Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“The clean energy transition will require tens of thousands of skilled workers, and we need training systems that are agile, inclusive and aligned with industry needs.
“These grants will build a future-ready workforce that reflects the communities and technologies driving Western Australia’s clean energy transition.
“In partnership with the Commonwealth, we are investing in bold ideas that connect theory with practice to deliver real training outcomes, especially in regional and remote areas.”
Partnership Details:
| Collaborators | Project description |
| North Metropolitan TAFE, South Regional TAFE, ERGT, Vestas Australia Wind Technology | Researching training programs for electricians transitioning to wind turbine installation roles, including remote learning strategies and employment opportunities for local communities. |
| South Metropolitan TAFE, RMIT College of Vocational Education, Magellan Power | Developing an AI-assisted framework to streamline assessment of prior learning and competence, and identify bridging courses, for tradespeople moving into clean energy roles. |
| North Metropolitan TAFE, Central Regional TAFE, Horizon Power, | Creating culturally appropriate training models and experiences to support Aboriginal participation in clean energy projects specifically relating to Stand Alone Power grids in remote locations. |
| South Metropolitan TAFE, Edith Cowan University, MLEC Group, Magellan Power | VR-based electrical training to improve access and engagement for apprentices in remote and distributed locations. |
ENDS