The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training has announced a dedicated workforce development plan for the hydrogen industry.
Launching the Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap 2022-2032, Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer said it was a first for Australia.
“This roadmap is the first dedicated workforce development plan for the industry and sets a path to a strong and adaptable workforce for a safe and thriving Queensland hydrogen industry,” Ms Farmer said.
She said the roadmap was based on key insights from early industry players and training providers, combined with deep data analysis, to understand what the workforce needed as the industry developed.
“The Department has worked closely with industry stakeholders, including multi-national and domestic hydrogen proponents, public and private skills and training providers and professional bodies, regional economic groups and hydrogen clusters, unions and universities,” Ms Farmer said.
“The roadmap recognises the importance of having flexible skills and training options to respond when and where new skills needs emerge, tailored responses for local workforces, and attraction and retention strategies.”
She said in order to attract a new generation of workers the Government’s Gateway to Industry Skills Program would add hydrogen as a new industry, allowing 30 schools and up to 2,000 students to engage with it.
“TAFE Queensland will use virtual reality to deliver course content which will allow hydrogen training facilities to be used by more students and workers,” Ms Farmer said.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Michael de Brenni said the State’s hydrogen industry was set to tap into a growing demand for large-scale domestic projects, and export opportunities.
“We’re accelerating the development of Queensland-made hydrogen, creating more jobs in more industries, especially in regional Queensland,” Mr de Brenni said.
More information about the 25-page Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap can be accessed at this PS News link.
