Empowering Engineers for Australia's Clean Energy Transition Through Hydrogen Micro-Credentials
Key Ideas
- Engineers Australia, EEA, and Deakin University collaborate to launch hydrogen energy micro-credentials supporting Australia's net zero goals.
- The project addresses a talent shortage in hydrogen and engineering crucial for the nation's clean energy ambitions.
- Micro-credentials and a webinar aim to bridge knowledge gaps across various sectors to advance the hydrogen economy effectively.
- Initiated in 2022, the project involves Hycel researchers and the School of Engineering, focusing on practical skills development and industry collaboration.
Engineers Australia, in collaboration with Engineering Education Australia (EEA) and Deakin University, is introducing a set of hydrogen energy micro-credentials to enhance the engineering workforce's skills and bolster Australia's transition to net zero emissions. The initiative aims to counter a significant talent shortage in hydrogen and engineering fields critical for achieving the nation's clean energy objectives. By partnering with Deakin University and leveraging Australian government funding, the project will offer practical education tailored to industry needs, supporting engineers in leading the country towards clean energy adoption. The five components including four micro-credentials and a webinar cover areas like handling hydrogen, fuel cell operation, electrolyzers, hydrogen in the built environment, and social responsibility for engineers. These efforts seek to bridge knowledge gaps in energy, transport, planning, water, and government sectors, equipping professionals with the requisite skills to propel the hydrogen economy safely and effectively. The project, which began in 2022 with research from Deakin University's Hycel and School of Engineering, emphasizes the importance of co-designing curricula with industry to address real-world challenges faced by hydrogen practitioners. Scheduled for completion by June 30, 2025, this initiative embodies a positive step towards empowering engineers for a sustainable future through specialized hydrogen education.