The first cohort of students has commenced a new qualification at the TAFE NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Newcastle, helping Hunter workers secure the jobs created by Australia’s clean energy transition.
The Centre of Excellence includes funding to provide up to 1,000 free training places each year, helping workers gain new skills, upskill or retrain for careers in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and clean industries.
The Diploma of Renewable, Sustainable and Circular Manufacturing Management combines practical industry experience with technical expertise and leadership skills. This will help equip students with the capabilities needed to support renewable energy projects, sustainable manufacturing and emerging clean industries across the country.
Delivered as a Higher Apprenticeship, the qualification will help ensure local workers build the skills needed to seize the opportunities emerging through the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone and support the region’s growing renewable energy sector.
The TAFE NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence was established through a $56.21 million joint investment from the Australian and NSW Governments under the National Skills Agreement. The Australian Government is providing a further $5.274 million through the Turbocharging TAFE Centres of Excellence and Advancing Higher Apprenticeships measure to support the centre.
Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles said:
“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are delivering the training needed for the jobs of the future.
“Through the National Skills Agreement, we’re investing in TAFE Centres of Excellence that connect industry with training and help deliver the skilled workforce for Australia’s clean energy and manufacturing future.
“With up to 1,000 free training places available every year through the Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, more workers will have the opportunity to gain new skills, upskill or retrain for emerging industries.”
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
“The Hunter has powered NSW for generations and we have the people and the industry here to keep powering our future.
“Most students in this first intake already live and work locally, showing the demand for training that leads to secure, rewarding careers close to home and the opportunities being created right here in the Hunter.
“We have everything we need here to remain an energy powerhouse. This is about backing the people who call the Hunter home to carry that legacy forward and keep our region thriving.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
“TAFE NSW is leading the way in developing and delivering future-focused qualifications that build the workforce we need in priority industries, including cleaner and more sustainable manufacturing.
“The transition to net zero is creating enormous opportunities for NSW, but we need a workforce with the right skills to seize them.
“The former Liberal-National Government neglected TAFE and failed to prepare workers for the opportunities that come with major economic and industrial change. The Centres of Excellence and this Higher Apprenticeship are practical examples of how the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are rebuilding TAFE and investing in the skilled workforce our future economy depends on.
“By combining advanced technical knowledge with digital and leadership capabilities, this qualification will equip students with the skills employers need in the industries shaping Australia’s sustainable future.”
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon said:
“Newcastle has a proud history of making things, building things and powering Australia, and we’re making sure that tradition continues into the clean energy economy.
“We want to see the Hunter not just as a place where renewable energy is generated, but as a place where we manufacture the technology, train the workers and create the jobs that will power Australia’s future.
“Investing in TAFE and higher apprenticeships means local people can get the training they need without having to leave the Hunter, and local businesses can access the skilled workforce they need to grow.”
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:
“Newcastle is a city built on industry, innovation and skilled workers, and this new qualification will help ensure our local workforce is ready for the next chapter.
“It’s fantastic to see the first students already undertaking this course right here in Newcastle, gaining the skills needed to support renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and clean industry.
“This is about creating local training pathways that lead to local jobs and ensuring Newcastle remains at the forefront of Australia’s energy and manufacturing future.”
