Queensland is cementing its position as a global green hydrogen leader with the expansion of the Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP).
The expansion project is a joint venture between the Palaszczuk government and Energy Skills Queensland (ESQ) and is expected to include a new hydrogen-focused program that would link students with local industries and help them explore career opportunities in the sector.
Education Minister and Acting Minister for Training and Skills Development Grace Grace said the new Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools Precinct will benefit at least 30 schools across the state, engaging more than 2,000 students over a span of three years.
“I’m proud of the fantastic opportunities we are providing to our students right across Queensland, and we’re making sure they can explore what lies ahead in the world of work and further training while still at school,” Grace said.
“Many of the future hydrogen workers are in our schools now and through this new GISP project ESQ can promote the hydrogen industry as a career of choice for students,” the minister added.
The project will be the 11th successful program aimed at attracting students to Queensland’s key industries.
ESQ is a private non-profit organisation that seeks to deliver innovative solutions designed to build a skilled and safe energy industry.
The Palaszczuk government has invested more than $50 million in hydrogen and renewable energy training infrastructure, with projects such as the $20 million Stage 2 upgrades to the industry-led Queensland Apprenticeships Centre at Beenleigh, $10.6 million funding for a hydrogen and renewable energy training facility at the Bohle Trade Training TAFE in Townsville, and $2 million to upgrade facilities at Gladstone State High School that would help students prepare to join the hydrogen industry.
Energy, Renewables and Energy Minister Mick de Brenni described Queensland’s clean energy transformation as the state’s greatest hobs opportunity in a generation.
“From our East Coast Hydrogen Superhighway and hydrogen training facilities to electrolyser manufacturing and export capabilities, we’re cementing Queensland’s position as a global green hydrogen leader,” de Brenni said.
“It’s through hydrogen initiatives like this program that are setting Queensland’s home-grown future workforce up to power the world’s economy,” he added.
