The NSW Government is reskilling NSW and transforming the economy to net zero, with TAFE NSW launching eight renewables-related microskills following the signing of the National Skills Agreement.
The five-year National Skills Agreement (NSA) will see the Australian Government invest up to $3.8 billion in the NSW skills and training sector, bolstering the State Government’s promise to rebuild TAFE and training in NSW.
“The National Skills Agreement will pave the way in supporting the people of NSW to gain the skills they require for emerging industries,” Premier Chris Minns said.
“These courses are an example of where funding from the NSA can be utilised to ensure TAFE NSW accelerates skills training in renewable energy through collaboration with industry and government,” Premier Minns stated.
Last month, the State Government unveiled its strategy to ensure a consistent supply of clean, cheap renewable energy. The State Government noted NSW now has the funding security to enhance skills training in the renewable energy and technology sector with the NSA in place.
“The Renewable Energy Roadmap is essential to transitioning our electricity system, and without the workers we cannot achieve it,” Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said.
NSW TAFE has introduced eight new microskills, short online courses designed to develop specific skills.
The courses scheduled to be implemented over the next six months include:
- Emergency responder electric vehicle incident and emergency response
- Introduction to fuel-cell electric vehicles
- Contextualised fuel-cell electric vehicle
- Hydrogen energy fundamentals
- Electric vehicle charging station baseline knowledge
- Refuelling fuel-cell electric vehicles
- Prepare to work in the renewable energy sector
- Introduction to wind farms
These courses will ensure that as more consumers purchase electric vehicles and the electric bus fleet expands, existing automotive personnel will be trained with the necessary vehicle maintenance, repair, and charging skills.
The courses aim to equip emergency responders like police, paramedics, fire, and rescue workers with the necessary skills to handle the unique challenges of electric vehicle accidents.
“The National Skills Agreement means vital funding is secured to accelerate skills training in NSW, keeping TAFE NSW at the forefront of the sector,” Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steven Whan said.
Minister Whan noted that the eight new microskills are just the first steps.
“I’m particularly excited about how these microskills will benefit our regional areas, school leavers and existing tradespeople by introducing them to skills and opportunities in wind and solar power generation particularly those within Renewable Energy Zones,” the Minister added.
