In a move to bolster Queensland’s clean energy workforce, the Queensland Government has unveiled the Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap, designed to drive job creation and advance gender equality in the energy sector.
Developed through extensive consultation with over 90 key stakeholder groups, the roadmap reflects the needs and priorities of regional communities and industries, the government said in a media statement.
The roadmap is supported by a $30 million fund that encompasses several initiatives to enhance Queensland’s future energy workforce.
The $30 million in funded actions includes a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy job opportunities and skills development.
These actions encompass the piloting of Mobile Regional Energy Jobs Hubs throughout the Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (QREZ) regions, fostering connectivity between regional communities and available employment prospects.
Additionally, there will be an expansion of the Gateway to Industry Schools program, featuring a dedicated focus on renewable energy.
Online resources will be provided to assist Queensland teachers in delivering content related to clean energy and facilitating student learning.
To ensure that clean energy workforce needs are met, there will be regionally tailored analyses of future skills demand and supply, complemented by guides outlining job opportunities.
The establishment of a skills academy as part of Stanwell’s Future Energy Innovation and Training Hub in Rockhampton will play a pivotal role in training and development.
Furthermore, a program of investments has been allocated for the enhancement of state-owned training infrastructure, while the VET Emerging Industries initiative will be expanded to support emerging sectors in vocational education and training.
The initiative also extends its reach by co-funding up to 20 positions within the Engineers Australia Global Engineering Talent Pilot Program, with a specific focus on future positions in the clean energy sector.
Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Annastacia Palaszczuk stated that Queensland is strategically positioned to lead the clean energy revolution, capitalising on the state’s natural resources and well-established high-quality training infrastructure.
“Together, Queenslanders will be at the forefront of new opportunities from the energy transformation, with the majority of infrastructure investment and employment in regional areas,” she noted.
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer underscored the role of the roadmap in identifying the skills required and job opportunities in the energy sector.
“We know there will be demand for electrical trades jobs; engineering; construction; technicians; science and technology; corporate roles; and education, training and development. We are creating exciting pathways for Queenslanders. I urge school leavers and existing workers to explore career opportunities in the Future Energy Jobs Guide,” Farmer said.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni pointed out that the roadmap is pivotal in developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting Queensland’s transition to renewable energy and reducing emissions.
“This roadmap, along with the Palaszczuk Government’s $150 million Job Security Guarantee, and laws introduced into Parliament this week, mean energy workers at Queensland’s publicly owned coal-fired power stations can be confident there will be good jobs for them and generations to come in regional Queensland,” de Brenni remarked.
