Training and skills development in hydrogen
Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap 2022–2032
To prepare Queensland’s workforce for hydrogen related career opportunities and ensure the industry can access the workers it needs, the Queensland Government has worked with industry to develop and implement the Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap 2022–2032.
The Roadmap identifies 4 key focus areas:
- Building a pipeline of skilled and adaptable workers for the hydrogen industry.
- Sharing knowledge to support hydrogen skills development, training, and safety.
- Maximising the benefits for local communities.
- Using data insights to plan for industry workforce needs over time.
The Roadmap has been developed in consultation with industry, education and training providers, and regional development stakeholders from across Queensland. The Roadmap is delivering a range of short, medium and long-term actions to deliver a strong and adaptable workforce for a safe and thriving Queensland hydrogen industry.
Partnerships
The clean energy transformation is Queensland’s greatest jobs opportunity in a generation. Productive partnerships with industry will help build a pipeline of skilled future workers for Queensland’s hydrogen sector.
Gateway to Industry Schools Program
In partnership with Energy Skills Queensland, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training’s Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP) has expanded to include a hydrogen focussed project. This program will link students with local industries and help them explore career opportunities in the sector.
The Hydrogen GISP will be delivered in at least 30 Queensland schools, engaging more than 2000 students over 3 years to early 2026.
CS Energy and Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise—Hydrogen Demonstration Plant
The Queensland Government has partnered with Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) and government owned corporation CS Energy to help prepare a job-ready workforce for the hydrogen industry’s expansion. The study, to be conducted at CS Energy’s Kogan Renewables Hydrogen Demonstration Plant, aims to determine skills and training needs for the hydrogen sector.
A dedicated Skills Officer at the demonstration plant will identify the skills, accreditation and qualifications needed for hydrogen projects, and assess how current qualifications in traditional resources industries can apply to hydrogen.
The study will also connect local suppliers with hydrogen manufacturing opportunities and support the wider supply chain to invest in upskilling and training opportunities.
Investments
The Queensland Government is investing more than $50 million in state-of-the-art hydrogen and renewable energy training facilities. This includes:
- $20 million for Stage 2 upgrades to the industry-led Queensland Apprenticeships Centre, featuring a new Hydrogen Training Centre of Excellence at Beenleigh. The Centre was officially opened in November 2022 and features upgraded green gas training equipment, lower carbon technology upgrades and state-of-the-art training facilities to support construction trades.
- $17 million to build the Pinkenba Renewable Energy Training Facility. The training facility was opened in October 2022 and will be used for training apprentices and qualified electricians to install, operate and manage solar and other renewable energy equipment safely.
- $13.2 million to build a hydrogen and renewable energy training facility for training in renewable energy such as hydrogen, solar and wind at the Bohle Trade Training TAFE in Townsville. The project was completed in March 2024.
- $2 million to upgrade facilities at Gladstone State High School to prepare students for jobs in the hydrogen industry.
The Queensland Government has supported the development of industry-identified training and skills in the hydrogen sector funded through the VET Emerging Industries initiative. This includes $4 million directed towards an Energy Strategy that includes a Hydrogen Skills Fund, Electric Vehicle Skills Fund and a TAFE Renewable Energy Strategy.
- Last updated:
- 2 July 2024