Clean energy training hits the road in NSW
A $2.5 million mobile training fleet is set to deliver hands-on renewable energy lessons to communities across New South Wales.
Funded by the Australian Government through the TAFE Technology Fund, the initiative includes two mobile trucks along with two dual-purpose shipping containers that have been customised to provide renewable energy training, demonstrations and engagement programs in solar, wind and electric vehicle technologies.
The initiative is part of the Energy Futures Skills Centre collaboration between TAFE NSW and the University of Wollongong, which aims to equip students, jobseekers and regional communities with the skills to participate in Australia’s energy transition.
“I am so excited to see one of the first outputs of TAFE’s collaboration with the Energy Futures Skills Centre — something I have been fighting hard for,” said Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes.
“Our region needs the skills to embrace the job opportunities of the clean energy future and local young people know the value this training can provide. Ensuring people in the regions are well-positioned to access the jobs of the future is absolutely vital.”
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the Albanese Labor government was proud to be working with the Minns Labor government to ensure people across NSW could get the skills to enable the clean energy transition to realise the nation’s net zero aspirations.
“What’s fantastic about this announcement is we’re meeting students where they are — literally,” Giles said.
“This mobile training fleet builds on our Free TAFE program, which has seen more than 287,000 enrolments in New South Wales.
“We’re bringing clean energy skills to the streets, the schools and the regions, making sure no one gets left behind in Australia’s energy future.”
The fleet includes:
- a mobile community engagement truck featuring virtual reality experiences and interactive displays that showcase renewable energy concepts and career pathways
- a mobile training truck providing hands-on experience with wind turbine, solar and electric vehicle components aligned to existing qualifications
- two dual-purpose shipping containers that double as mobile classrooms, fitted with renewable energy systems, battery storage and interactive learning tools.
One container is stationed in Wollongong, to service the south and southwest renewable energy zones. The second will be based in Tamworth and travel to renewable energy zones and schools across that region.
“These trucks and containers are effectively TAFE NSW classrooms on wheels, designed to take hands-on renewable energy training to where it’s needed most,” said NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan.
“The fleet brings learning to life, giving students and jobseekers the chance to experience renewable technologies up close, and to see the exciting careers that come with them,” he continued.
“It’s another example of TAFE NSW leading the way in providing practical, industry-aligned training that supports local economies and the clean energy transition.”
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