The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are investing almost $25 million to expand clean energy training facilities and grow the vocational education and training workforce needed to support New South Wales’ energy transition.
The joint investment includes:
- $16.7 million to upgrade and expand training facilities at six TAFE NSW campuses; and
- $8.1 million to strengthen the capability and capacity of teachers, trainers and assessors delivering clean energy training across NSW.
The announcement was made at TAFE NSW Campbelltown, where a $3.6 million investment will establish electrotechnology training facilities for the first time.
The new facilities will help meet growing demand for electricians and clean energy-aligned trades in south-western Sydney, while supporting students to train closer to home.
The Campbelltown project is one of six training facility upgrades being delivered across NSW, including Cessnock, Dubbo, Tamworth, Wellington, and Wyong.
On top of new and upgraded training facilities, the investment will strengthen the workforce responsible for delivering clean energy training across NSW.
The $8.1 million workforce package includes:
- scholarships to help businesses build workplace training and assessment capability and support existing workers to become qualified workplace trainers and assessors;
- upskilling and retraining for up to 500 TAFE NSW teachers in emerging areas like solar panel installation, battery storage, hydrogen safety and electric vehicle servicing; and
- a shared teacher resourcing pilot between TAFE NSW and the NSW Department of Education to create pathways into renewable energy careers for secondary school students.
Together, these investments will ensure NSW has the facilities, training capability and workforce needed to support growing clean energy industries.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said:
“Australia’s clean energy transition is one of the biggest opportunities of our time, and for the first time young people in these communities will be able to train locally and step straight into secure, well-paid jobs in the electrical trade.
“This investment will expand access to high-quality training, delivered in local communities who are set to be at the forefront of this growing industry.
“By partnering with the Minns Government to back TAFE and school partnerships, we are creating a clear path from school to a good job in renewable energy and ensuring Australians are the ones building and benefiting from this transformation.”
New South Wales Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“The clean energy future of NSW depends on having the skilled workforce to build it, maintain it and power it.
“That’s why we’re investing in both modern training TAFE NSW facilities and the teachers, trainers and assessors who help deliver those skills.
“Building the clean energy workforce takes more than new infrastructure. By investing in training facilities, industry capability and teacher development, we’re delivering the skills that work for the jobs NSW will need in the decades ahead.”
Member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander said:
“The work to build Australia’s future industries starts right here at Campbelltown TAFE. Cutting-edge skills training and facilities on offer for locals, without having to travel to get the qualifications they need for a great career.
“This is what Labor Governments do – deliver real support and real change for the people of south-western Sydney.”
Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:
“This investment is fantastic news for Campbelltown and south-western Sydney, creating new opportunities for local people to train for careers in electrical and clean energy industries close to home.
“For the first time, TAFE NSW Campbelltown will deliver electrotechnology training, giving more students access to the skills and courses needed for secure jobs in a growing sector.”
