Experts appointed to build the State's net zero workforce

• Industry Advisory Board and general manager appointed to lead Australia's first Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence
• Ten members representing industry, unions, First Nations people, Government, TAFE, and university
• New website to promote the occupations and training options
• Western Australia's hydrogen, battery, solar, energy minerals and wind projects are predicted to create an estimated 351,000 jobs in WA by 2050

The Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence (CESNCE) has officially commenced operations with the appointment of an Industry Advisory Board to advise the Government on the clean energy workforce and a general manager to lead the Centre.

A Commonwealth and State Government joint investment of $70.5 million over five years, the CESNCE will develop the collective capability of the State's TAFE colleges and other training institutes, to build the workforce needed to support the transition to a clean energy economy.

The Training and Workforce Development Minister has appointed a diverse mix of industry and community leaders to the CESNCE Industry Advisory Board, representing unions, First Nations people, Government, TAFE, and university to provide expertise.

The Board will advise the Minister on training and workforce strategies and training infrastructure needs, and contribute to the CESNCE's strategic direction. It will provide a clear voice and buy-in from industry on the workforce planning, co-ordination, development, promotion and TAFE investment needed for the State's transition to a net zero emissions economy. 

Western Power's Executive Manager Transition and Sustainability Mr Matthew Cheney has been appointed as Chair of the Board and brings a depth of experience across energy, sustainability and decarbonisation.

The Board will be supported by the CESNCE's recently appointed General Manager Mr Ty Theodore, who will lead and drive skills development through industry and stakeholder engagement, partnerships, training product design and collaboration, program design, and marketing and communications.

With a strong background in strategic partnerships and the development of adult education and training programs, Mr Theodore joins the CESNCE from South Metropolitan TAFE where he was Executive Director for the Engineering, Transport and Defence division, the Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training, and the Automation and Robotics Training Centres.

The clean energy investment pipeline in Western Australia is in the vicinity of $200 billion, and projections show the clean energy sector is expected to generate around 351,000 jobs from 2025 to 2050.

A new website has been designed to showcase the State's hydrogen, battery, solar, energy minerals, and wind projects and promote the occupations and training options to skill individuals in the thriving sector.

To learn more about the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence, visit https://cleanenergyskills.wa.gov.au.

The Clean Energy National Centre of Excellence is a joint initiative between the Australian and Western Australian Governments under the National Skills Agreement.

 Comments attributed to Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk:

"Our investment in the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence will ensure that Western Australia leads Australia's clean energy transformation, by building skills and knowledge that are critical to achieving net zero.

"With the combined experience of an Industry Advisory Board, supported by general manager Ty Theodore, and significant State and Commonwealth funding for TAFE infrastructure, we're well positioned to deliver world-class training in clean energy technologies through our TAFE network.

"The Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence will have a key role in driving skills development and ensuring students are equipped with practical skills to support innovation in the clean energy sector. It will partner with industry and TAFEs to develop career taster experiences in clean energy to build the skills pipeline.

"Today also sees the launch of the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence website - a hub for the latest news, project updates, and State Government priorities in the clean energy sector.

"I encourage people to visit the website to explore the range of exciting, well-paid clean energy careers and the training our State Government has made available to get you there."

Comments attributed to Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby:

"By investing in the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence, our Government is securing Western Australia's future as a clean energy superpower.

"Not only will it develop the skills and training our State needs to seize the opportunities that come with decarbonising our economy, but it will also expand access to training opportunities throughout regional WA.

"I'm pleased to see some of the brightest minds in the energy sector be invited to join CENSNCE's Board.

"Their contributions will be integral to putting the centre at the forefront of global best practice in skilling and upskilling our workers."

Comments attributed to Federal Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles: 

"The Albanese Government is partnering with the Cook Government to ensure we are blazing the trail of high-quality and innovative training in clean energy science, engineering, construction and operations.

"Our VET sector is underpinned by investment in TAFE and fit-for-purpose facilities, so it is great to see the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence take this next step.

"The Albanese Government is committed to creating a pipeline of skilled teachers and high-quality institutions, to train a generation of workers who will need to bring their expertise to bear on technological challenges that we aren't even aware of yet."

Industry Advisory Board members:

• Mr Matthew Cheney - Executive Manager Transition and Sustainability, Western Power (Chair)
• Dr Mara West - Governing Council Chair, North Metropolitan TAFE
• Mr Terry Hill - Chair, Pilbara Development Commission
• Ms Jasmine Kadic - Director, Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Mr Shannon O'Rourke - Chief Executive Officer, Powering Australia
• Mr Jai Thomas - Deputy Director General - Co-ordinator of Energy, Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
• Mr Michael Wright - National Secretary, Electrical Trades Union of Australia
• Ms Rebecca Tomkinson - Chief Executive Officer, The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia
• Mr Gregory Warren - Director, MizCo Pty Ltd
• Ms Jodie Wallace - Director General, Department of Training and Workforce Development