The Australian Government has awarded the University of Wollongong $10 million in funding, delivering on its commitment to foster the skills and capacities needed to capitalise on Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.
According to the Federal Government, the funding will be used to construct an Energy Futures Skills Centre at the university, followed by a $2.5 million investment to modernise equipment and instructional aids and create a Renewable Energy Training facility at Wollongong TAFE.
The two facilities will collaborate to help build the energy workforce of the future by providing real-world examples of sustainable energy technology for teaching and research through teaching laboratories and updated equipment.
The Government added that the investment would fund educational initiatives that will retrain and upskill employees for careers in clean energy and clean manufacturing.
“Renewable energy not only means more affordable and reliable energy over the long term, it means greater economic opportunity in the regions that have always powered Australia,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
That is why, according to Prime Minister Albanese, they are training the personnel needed to power Australia’s future with renewable energy.
“Creating jobs in the regions where people live will mean a better future for those who want to stay where they grew up, near their families and communities while they build their lives,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
The Government added that the investment would complement existing efforts to create a sustainable energy future, including community battery deployment, requirements for local content in new infrastructure to upgrade the electrical system, and advancements made possible by the National Reconstruction Fund.
The Federal Government said that switching to renewable energy will create new economic opportunities while also lowering electricity bills and guaranteeing a better future for the Illawarra and the nation.
“After a decade of neglect, putting the skills and research that will drive renewable investment in the regions that can take advantage of the opportunity will grow jobs and local business,” Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor stated.
Minister O’Connor added that the investment positions Wollongong as a leader in the coming years and decades of the energy transition.
