Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher met Gladstone State High School students where construction of a new hydrogen training hub is underway.
Gladstone State High School has been awarded a $2 million grant to construct the hydrogen training hub.
Gladstone State High School is one of 32 secondary schools in Queensland that have joined the Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP).
“I’m proud that we have two participating schools in the Gladstone region in the Hydrogen GISP program- Gladstone State High and Trinity College – and that these students will have the opportunity to find a great and satisfying career pathway in the hydrogen industry,” Minister Butcher said.
By 2040, Queensland’s hydrogen industry is projected to grow by $19 billion and generate an additional 4,350 jobs.
“Queensland’s hydrogen industry is expected to grow by $19 billion, creating an additional 4,350 jobs by 2040. More than 2000 Queensland students will benefit over the next three years from our Hydrogen GISP program and our efforts in the schools,” Minister Farmer stated.
According to the Queensland Government, the State has the potential to become a hydrogen superpower, and programs such as the GISP play a significant role in growing the workforce to support an employment boom so that the State’s future workforce is ready to capitalise on this opportunity.
“Creating an environment where young Queenslanders can work and thrive in the workforce is vital. Not only does it help build the economy, it creates vibrant communities, with a strong diverse and skilled workforce. The Palaszczuk Government’s intentions are clear — create good jobs for families and their children,” Minister Farmer said.
The industry-led Hydrogen GISP expands science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) knowledge to diversify and accelerate the development of future hydrogen industry skills and opportunities.
Students at Gladstone State High School and Trinity College who participate in the Hydrogen Gateway Industry to Schools Partnership will be exposed to a variety of learning opportunities that will assist them in making career decisions and self-selecting employment pathways.
From production to engineering to storage to distribution and exporting, the program provides schools with numerous participation opportunities.
The broader GISP includes aerospace, advanced manufacturing, health, screen and media, agribusiness industries, and more.
“The Queensland Government is investing significantly in delivering high quality training and creating an exciting career pathway for Gladstone school students,” Minister Butcher stated.
The Minister added, “The GISP program plays an important role in delivering on the needs of Gladstone and it also allows the Palaszczuk Labor Government to continue our delivery of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, supporting nearly 100,000 more jobs.”
