The new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility and Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab at Bohle TAFE have been unveiled.
The $18.9 million upgrade at Townsville’s Trade Training Centre aims to provide locals with qualifications in electrical, engineering, and construction trades including many courses and apprenticeships that are completely free to students or employers.
The new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility includes a mixed reality studio, workshops for hand tools and instrumentation and electric vehicle training for hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles.
The Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab is expected to offer training for manufacturing in augmented reality, automation, cyber security and robotics to ensure the growth of the industry across the state.
The Queensland Government also marked the occasion by officially expanding a future workforce initiative to include renewable energy, partnering with Energy Skills Queensland.
Over the next two years, more than 2,000 Queensland students from 30 high schools, including five in Townsville, will take part in the Renewable Energy Gateway to Industry Schools Program.
The $18.29 million investment at Bohle TAFE included an additional $1.09 million to facilitate design variations during the construction phase.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said, “Queensland has cemented its future as a renewable superpower.
“That means we need to train the next generation of energy workers, in facilities that are fit for the industries of the future.
“North Queensland is the gateway to more than half a trillion dollars in untapped critical minerals and renewable energy opportunities, so it’s only right that these new facilities are here in Townsville.
“Whether you’re in school, seeking a career change, or are already fully qualified, I want to ensure you have the best chance at getting one of our high paid hi-vis jobs in clean energy.”
Queensland Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said, “North Queensland’s energy transformation means more opportunities for locals to get good jobs with better pay in our Big Build of renewable energy.
“This new publicly owned facility means more locals can take advantage of Free TAFE to get into a good career, including through the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, which is among Townsville’s most popular courses.”
Member for Mundingburra and North Queensland Hydrogen Champion, Les Walker, said, “Green hydrogen will also be a game changer for world’s transport, heavy haulage, shipping, and aviation industries, and this new facility means it’s North Queenslanders that will be in the nation’s driver’s seat.”
Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, said, “We are ensuring Townsville is taking full advantage of the decade of opportunity before us by making sure we have the right people and skills in the right place at the right time for the growth of our priority industries.
“By expanding the Gateway to Industry Schools Program into renewable energy, Townsville school students will get a head start on career in our booming clean energy sector.”
Featured image: The new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility and Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab at Bohle TAFE. Image credit: Queensland Government.
