Securing the future in the Illawarra

The Albanese Government is delivering on a commitment to build the skills and capabilities to take advantage of Australia’s transition to a clean energy future with a $10 million investment at the University of Wollongong.

The funds will establish an Energy Futures Skills Centre located at the university, with a second investment of $2.5 million to upgrade equipment and teaching aids, creating a Renewable Energy Training facility at the Wollongong TAFE.

The two facilities will work together to help build the energy workforce of the future, using state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and upgraded equipment to provide real world examples of clean energy technology for teaching and research.

This investment will deliver teaching programs to re-train and upskill workers for a career in clean energy and clean manufacturing.

This investment will add to other initiatives to build a clean energy future, including installing community batteries, mandating local content in new infrastructure to modernise the electricity grid, and developments through the National Reconstruction Fund.

Making the change to renewable energy will bring new economic opportunities, while helping reduce power bills, and ensuring a better future for the people of the Illawarra and the nation.

Comments attributable to Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese:

“Renewable energy not only means more affordable and reliable energy over the long term, it means greater economic opportunity in the regions that have always powered Australia.

“That’s why we are skilling the workforce needed to power Australia’s future with renewable energy.”

Comments attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Creating jobs in the regions where people live will mean a better future for those who want to stay where they grew up, near their families and communities while they build their lives.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the Illawarra’s future jobs, industries and technology.”

Comments attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor:

"After a decade of neglect, putting the skills and research that will drive renewable investment in the regions that can take advantage of the opportunity will grow jobs and local business.

“This investment sets up Wollongong to develop the skills to be a leader in the energy transformation of the coming years and decades.”