Construction has commenced on a new renewable energy skills centre in Pinkenba which will help prepare Queensland’s workforce for the growing interest in renewable energy and hydrogen.
The $23 million Pinkenba Renewable Energy Training Facility (RETF) will provide pre-trade, apprenticeship and post trade courses for up to 300 students at a time and support 40 teaching positions.
Featuring a 17-metre high wind turbine, 20-metre high climbing tower, a 30-metre telecommunications tower and a 54-kilowatt single axis tracking solar system, it will offer training in electrotechnology and renewable energy through classroom learning and in-field training.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the RETF will be the only Queensland training facility to provide a Certificate IV – Electrical in Renewable Energy qualification.
“In addition to training apprentices, the facility will assist licensed electricians to upgrade their skills to install, operate and manage solar and other renewable energy equipment safely,” the Minister added.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Pinkenba facility will be operated by Electro Group Training, which will be responsible for its design and construction by June 2022.
“We need facilities like this now, so trainees and apprentices can develop the skills they need to ensure Queensland is ready to go as interest in and the need for renewable energy and hydrogen worldwide soars,” the Premier continued.
“With our abundance of solar and wind, Queensland is the ideal candidate to produce hydrogen for domestic and international use.”
Image credit: https://www.electrogroup.com.au/news/2020/new-renewable-energy-training-centre
