Boosting Renewable Energy Workforce: Queensland's $15M Training Facility in Rockhampton
Key Ideas
- The Queensland Government plans to build a $15 million renewable energy training facility in Rockhampton to enhance the clean energy workforce in Central Queensland.
- Named the CQ Renewable Energy Training Facility, it will offer specialized courses for electrical tradespeople, apprentices, and high school students focusing on renewable energy technologies.
- This initiative aligns with the government's aim to create thousands of jobs in the renewable energy sector and provide accessible training for workers to transition to cleaner, more reliable energy sources.
- Funding for the project will come from fairer coal royalties, with construction expected to span over the next three years, contributing to the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap.
The Queensland Government has unveiled plans to construct a $15 million training and skills facility in Rockhampton, known as the CQ Renewable Energy Training Facility, to support the clean energy workforce in Central Queensland. This initiative, conditional on the government's re-election, aims to equip workers with the necessary skills for careers in the renewable energy sector, particularly Queensland's SuperGrid. Operated by Electro Group Training, the facility will provide courses on renewable energy technologies for various professionals and students. Brittany Lauga, Member for Keppel, emphasized the importance of investing in Central Queensland's workforce to sustain the region's energy production. The initiative is funded by fairer coal royalties and aligns with the government's efforts to create jobs in renewable energy. The facility will deliver training for electricians, qualifications for new entrants in the industry, and apprenticeship programs in electrotechnology and renewable energy. Set to be the first of its kind in regional Queensland, the facility aims to prepare workers for opportunities in wind, solar, hydrogen, and storage projects. The project is part of the Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap and signals a positive step towards a more sustainable and skilled workforce in the renewable energy sector.