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Training the workforce to deliver net zero

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

2 March 2022

Hydrogen and renewable energy was high on the agenda at our Green Skills Training Centre recently as industry, education and government representatives joined to discuss building a hydrogen capable workforce.

With the WA Government investing almost $90m to drive the development of a renewable hydrogen industry in WA, NMTAFE Managing Director Michelle Hoad said that building a hydrogen capable workforce is critical to growing this industry sustainably.

“Green jobs aren’t science fiction and demand is going to grow as the WA Government’s 2050 net zero emissions target moves closer,” she said. 

“North Metropolitan TAFE already delivers industry specific training in solar energy operation, management and maintenance and across a range of traditional energy powered trades.

“We can see that change is coming and we are committed to working with industry to skill and reskill employees to grow the renewable energy workforce in WA."

A roundtable discussion was facilitated by Paul Lucey, Cluster Manager, WATCH2, a not-for-profit organisation committed to securing hydrogen-related industry opportunities for Western Australia.

The discussion centred on the current and future skills requirements for the hydrogen sector; the infrastructure requirements for training; and how awareness of industry job opportunities can be built.

“Hydrogen’s story hasn’t been written yet and we are at the very early stages of our journey,” said Mr Lucey.

“Whatever happens, education and skills are going to be the foundation that will build a successful hydrogen ecosystem here in Western Australia. It is important, that in our role of supporting this emerging opportunity, we help evolve the skills to match.”

The event concluded with a tour of NMTAFE’s Green Skills Training Centre, which earned a 6-star Green Rating for design from the Green Building Council of Australia. The building, which is a leader in environmentally sustainable design, delivers specialised training in green jobs of the future.

For more information, please contact North Metropolitan TAFE Strategic Industry Partnerships.

Photo (left to right): Michelle Hoad, Managing Director NMTAFE; Kathy Hoare, Director State Workforce Planning, DTWD; Paul Lucey, Cluster Manager, WATCH2; and Ibu Listiana Operananta, Consul General, Consulate General Republic of Indonesia; outside NMTAFE’s Green Skills Training Centre.