The first cohort of students has commenced a new manufacturing qualification at the TAFE NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Newcastle, as governments seek to build skills for Australia’s clean energy transition.
The Diploma of Renewable, Sustainable and Circular Manufacturing Management combines practical industry experience with technical and leadership training. Delivered as a Higher Apprenticeship, the course is intended to prepare workers for roles supporting renewable energy projects, sustainable manufacturing and emerging clean industries.
In a news release, the NSW Government said the centre will provide up to 1,000 free training places each year, allowing workers to gain new skills, upskill or retrain for careers in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and other clean industries.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the program would help connect industry with training.
“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are delivering the training needed for the jobs of the future,” Giles said.
“Through the National Skills Agreement, we’re investing in TAFE Centres of Excellence that connect industry with training and help deliver the skilled workforce for Australia’s clean energy and manufacturing future.”
The centre was established through a $56.21 million joint investment from the Australian and NSW governments under the National Skills Agreement. The Australian Government is also providing a further $5.274 million through the Turbocharging TAFE Centres of Excellence and Advancing Higher Apprenticeships measure.
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the qualification was designed to address workforce needs in priority industries.
“TAFE NSW is leading the way in developing and delivering future-focused qualifications that build the workforce we need in priority industries, including cleaner and more sustainable manufacturing,” Whan said.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said most students in the first intake already live and work in the region, which she said demonstrated demand for local training pathways.
“The Hunter has powered NSW for generations and we have the people and the industry here to keep powering our future,” Catley said.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the region’s manufacturing and industrial history could continue into the clean energy economy.
“We want to see the Hunter not just as a place where renewable energy is generated, but as a place where we manufacture the technology, train the workers and create the jobs that will power Australia’s future,” Claydon said.
The NSW Government said the qualification would support the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone and the region’s renewable energy sector by developing skills locally. Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the program would help prepare workers for opportunities in “renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and clean industry.”
