The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have announced a joint investment exceeding $60 million over the next five years to establish the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus in Newcastle.
This state-of-the-art facility will be important in preparing the workforce for net-zero manufacturing, addressing skill gaps, and driving the region’s transition to renewable energy.
Both governments are committing $28.1 million each, along with an additional $5.27 million in federal support, to accelerate a Higher Apprenticeship model aimed at cultivating advanced skills essential for net-zero manufacturing.
The upgraded Centre will focus on equipping workers across the Hunter with the skills needed to support the renewable energy sector and access job opportunities within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone.
“Investing in a Future Made in Australia means investing in the skills and training industry will need in the years to come,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“The Hunter has a proud history of industry and manufacturing – which is why this is the perfect place for this Centre of Excellence.”
This Centre will support the renewable energy industry workforce by integrating technology-driven learning models, with increased access to training in regional and remote areas of northern NSW. Mobile training units will further enhance access, ensuring the Centre’s reach extends across diverse communities. Additionally, the Centre will introduce a National Renewable Energy Microskills Marketplace, allowing TAFEs nationwide to share and access non-accredited digital courses focused on renewable industries.
The Centre’s initiatives include an innovative apprenticeship model that integrates vocational education and training (VET) with higher education.
This will involve a blend of essential trade skills like electrotechnology, welding, and fabrication, coupled with high-level units in areas like digital technologies.
The approach emphasises collaboration between TAFE NSW, universities, and local industries to establish qualification models that bridge VET and higher education.
“The Hunter region is a powerhouse for energy and manufacturing,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns.
“We are proud to partner with the Albanese Government to deliver this training centre so the local community and industry have the skills needed to benefit from the energy transition.”
This initiative follows the establishment of the Western Sydney Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in September and is the second of three TAFE NSW Manufacturing Centres of Excellence focused on enhancing skills in advanced manufacturing and rebuilding onshore manufacturing capabilities.
A priority for the Centre will be to increase apprenticeship numbers, particularly in high-demand trades such as electrotechnology, engineering, manufacturing, and mechatronics, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of supporting the shift to a clean energy economy.
This, in turn, will help meet the net-zero training demand for the mining and manufacturing sectors as Australia works towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“This Centre of Excellence in Net Zero Manufacturing will strengthen the VET system by providing high-quality and responsive skills training in the clean manufacturing economy,” noted Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles.
“This will strengthen collaboration between universities and the VET sector, delivering the skills our manufacturing labour market requires.”
In addition, the Centre will contribute to both governments’ shared commitment to reviving local manufacturing capabilities, including building a skilled workforce to support and maintain the NSW Tangara train fleet.
As part of a $325 million investment under the five-year National Skills Agreement, the Albanese Government aims to establish up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence nationwide.
These centres will focus on delivering a skilled workforce for strategically vital industries, addressing key national challenges and contributing to a future driven by sustainability and local manufacturing.
“The TAFE NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Newcastle / Hunter will provide opportunities to upskill our workforce,” said NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Steve Whan.
“Specialised education and training will help build a skilled workforce with cutting-edge qualifications co-developed by TAFE NSW, industry, and universities.”
