- Growing Queensland’s future hydrogen workforce has taken another step forward with secondary school students now having the opportunity to enrol in free hydrogen-focused online learning programs under a new partnership between the Palaszczuk Government and CQUniversity.
- The new free programs have attracted the interest of students from as far north as Ingham and south to Brisbane.
- The online programs were developed by CQUniversity in partnership Stanwell Corporation and ACCIONA Energía.
Fuelling a hydrogen future: STEM Skills for Secondary Learning courses have been developed to target Years 7 – 10 and Years 11 – 12 and are curriculum-aligned for easy integration into the classroom environment.
The online learning program is a key action under the Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap 2022-2032, released in July 2022.
The online programs were developed by CQUniversity in partnership Stanwell Corporation and ACCIONA Energía and will build important industry-school connections and showcase the Queensland hydrogen and renewable energy sectors to our future workforce.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:
“We are investing in our young people in their schools through the expansion of our Gateway to Industry Skills Program (GISP) to include hydrogen.
“The free online learning resources will equip Queensland high school students with industry-relevant foundational skills and the tools needed to make a decision about career pathways in the hydrogen sector.
“Hydrogen GISP captures more than 2000 students across 32 Queensland schools over three years. Now we have gone one step further with online opportunities.
“I’m pleased to see this partnership come together between the Queensland Government and CQUniversity to provide our students with more learning opportunities which could lead to better career options, particularly in emerging industries.
“Our Workforce Strategy is creating a strong and diverse workforce.
“We are investing $1.3 billion per annum in training and skills services to support that.
“In 2022-23, we put in more than $135 million across various small business and skills pathways grants programs to support Queenslanders into good jobs.
“The broad range of grant funding programs and initiatives are estimated to have provided support or assistance to more than 44,600 workers or jobseekers.
“Facilitating access to education and training through programs like this, will help build the skill base and boost our workforce. Queensland is leading the nation in job creation – we want to make sure that all Queenslanders have access to training and to new and exciting opportunities no matter where they are located.”
Quotes attributable to CQU Academic Dr Cal Devney:
“The students will develop Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills relevant to participating in the emerging hydrogen industry.
“The micro-credentials are now available for enrolment by Queensland State Secondary students.
“The micro-credentials are non-creditable, but students will be awarded a digital badge and a Certificate of Completion.
“Secondary students completing the hydrogen-focused micro-credentials may wish to continue their studies through CQUniversity’s Start TAFE Now and Start Uni Now (SUN) courses available to secondary students in Years 11 and 12, including the SUN Fundamentals of Sustainable Energy Course which incorporates hydrogen and renewable energy modules
“The micro-credential for students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will be ACARA aligned to the learning areas of STEM, as well as the General Capabilities and Cross Curriculum priorities in the Australian Curriculum.
“The micro-credential for Years 11 and 12 will be aligned to the QCAA Senior Syllabuses and 21st Century Skills.”
Quotes attributable to Stanwell Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Rourke:
“Stanwell is committed to working with industry partners across a variety of sectors to help drive the development of Queensland’s hydrogen industry and the use of other new technologies.
“We know the workforce of tomorrow is in the classroom today. Through collaboration with partners like CQU, we are able to leverage our expertise and help create learning pathways for the energy sector leaders of the future.
Quotes attributable to ACCIONA Energía General Manager of Brand and Marketing Caroline Bommes:
“Without renewables there is no green hydrogen and without people there’s no renewables.
“Programs like these are a step towards getting the workforce that will be needed for the energy transition and capitalising on our green hydrogen opportunity.
“The opportunities for students to undertake these courses can set them on the path for a long-term and secure career in the emerging industry.
“Our collaboration with CQUniversity on these new courses allows young people to get a foot in the door in a rapidly growing industry.”
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
In July 2022, the Queensland Government released the Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap 2022-2032, the nation’s first dedicated workforce development plan for the hydrogen industry.
