New South Wales Unveils $25 Million Hydrogen Training Centre for Plumbers and Gas Fitters
Key Ideas
- The New South Wales Government reveals plans for the state's first Hydrogen Centre of Excellence to train plumbers and gas fitters in hydrogen technologies.
- The $25 million investment aims to upskill 8,250 workers in the first five years, addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector.
- The centre, in partnership with the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre, will provide hands-on training on hydrogen equipment and traditional plumbing skills.
- Construction of the facility is expected to create over 600 jobs and support New South Wales' transition towards clean energy and net zero emissions.
The New South Wales Government has announced the design of the state's inaugural Hydrogen Centre of Excellence, focusing on training plumbers and gas fitters for the burgeoning hydrogen industry. With an investment of $25 million, the center aims to address the shortage of skilled workers by training and upskilling 8,250 professionals in the first five years of operation. Partnering with the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre, the facility will offer practical training on hydrogen equipment alongside traditional plumbing skills. The construction of the center is expected to create employment for over 600 individuals and is set to be operational by 2027. The initiative is viewed positively by government officials, who see it as a crucial step in accelerating the state's shift towards clean technologies and achieving sustainability goals. The collaboration between government, industry, and unions is emphasized as vital in developing a skilled workforce to support economic growth. The project is praised for equipping apprentices with essential skills for future job markets and preparing workers for emerging fields such as hydrogen, highlighting the importance of industry collaboration in shaping the economic future of New South Wales and Australia.