The Victorian Government has announced the launch of a $50 million renewable energy TAFE Centre of Excellence in Morwell, Gippsland, aimed at supporting workforce development for Australia’s transition to renewable energy.
The centre, officially launched by the Albanese Government and the Victorian Government, will be based at TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus and is intended to deliver training across the national TAFE network in renewable energy technologies, the Vic Government said in a news release.
These include areas such as smart grids, energy networks and home electrification services, supported by a consortium comprising South West TAFE, Holmesglen Institute and Federation TAFE.
According to the Victorian Government, the investment includes $15 million for a new renewable energy digital training facility at the Morwell campus, along with $10 million in upgrades to the existing Electricity Supply Industry Training Centre at Holmesglen’s Chadstone campus.
The Morwell site will act as the anchor for the centre, with a focus on strengthening industry connections and preparing the local workforce for employment opportunities linked to the shift toward a low-carbon economy.
The centre is expected to deliver digitally enabled classrooms, a research and innovation laboratory, and industry-aligned training programs, alongside the use of virtual reality to simulate renewable energy work environments such as offshore wind and transmission infrastructure.
The Victorian Government said the centre would support Energy Supply Industry training and accreditations and provide access to large-scale renewable energy equipment. It is also intended to position Gippsland as a key location for renewable energy training nationally.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the initiative would play a role in building the country’s renewable energy workforce.
“Building a renewable energy workforce is vital for Australia’s future, and this Centre of Excellence will open up opportunities for Victorians to skill and upskill,” Giles said.
He added that collaboration between TAFEs, universities and industry would help develop the skills needed to support economic growth.
“This Centre will put Gippsland at the forefront of training in new types of energy generation and immersive technologies – opening the doors for locals to lead the way in these technologies nationally and globally,” he said.
Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Colin Brooks said the project would help ensure local access to training aligned with future job demand.
“Victoria is leading the way in renewable energy, and we’re making sure locals in Gippsland have access to the training they need for the jobs of the future,” Brooks said.
He also reaffirmed the state’s support for Free TAFE initiatives, stating they would continue to provide pathways for local workers to gain relevant skills.
The Victorian Renewable Energy TAFE Centre of Excellence is the 18th centre announced nationally since the introduction of the National Skills Agreement in 2024, and the fourth to be established in Victoria.
