Construction has officially commenced on a new clean energy training facility at TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus, as part of efforts to prepare more Victorians for careers in the state’s expanding renewable energy sector.
Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney marked the beginning of the project by turning the first sod on the site, the government stated in a news release.
The initiative is backed by a $5 million investment from the Allan Labor Government through its $50 million TAFE Clean Energy Fund.
The Clean Energy Centre will offer vocational training in emerging technologies such as wind power systems for both onshore and offshore applications, hybrid and electric vehicle servicing, and smart grid systems.
A new stand-alone building will house modern classrooms and simulation equipment designed to provide students with hands-on, industry-standard experience.
The centre is expected to be completed by early 2026 and will have capacity to train 200 students in its first year.
It is part of a broader strategy to support Victoria’s target of achieving 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035—a transition the government says will generate 59,000 jobs and 6,000 apprenticeships across the state.
The Morwell facility is one of several projects being funded under the TAFE Clean Energy Fund, which also includes upgrades to facilities at Federation TAFE in Ballarat and South West TAFE in Warrnambool.
According to the state government, these projects aim to support workforce development in regions poised to play a key role in the energy transition.
Minister Tierney said the investment would help meet growing industry demand for skilled workers.
“Victoria’s transition to renewable energy is creating thousands of jobs and we’re delivering world-class training facilities to meet the growing demand for skilled workers,” she said in a statement.
Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio highlighted the role of the training centre in helping local workers participate in the renewable energy shift.
“This new training centre in Morwell will ensure local workers have the skills they need to power our state’s renewable future in Gippsland,” she said.
Local Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing added that the project would provide long-term benefits for the Gippsland region.
“This investment in Morwell will create new opportunities for local workers, ensuring Gippsland is at the forefront of Victoria’s growing clean energy industry,” she said.
TAFE Gippsland Chief Executive Officer Laura Macpherson welcomed the development, describing it as a key step in supporting workers and industries during the energy transition.
“Our Clean Energy Centre will support industry and workers in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” she said.
More information about clean energy training opportunities in Victoria is available at vic.gov.au/tafe.
