$23 million Renewable Energy Training Facility gets green light to create jobs

The Palaszczuk government is investing $17 million towards a new Renewable Energy Training Facility that will provide Queenslanders with the skills they need for jobs now and into the future.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new facility, which is worth $23 million, will provide skills training for 750 apprentices a year as well as assisting around 26,000 local licensed electricians with further training.

“This is part of the second stage of our Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan which is all about creating jobs and future proofing Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The new facility will provide world class training in electrical, solar and telecommunications for thousands of Queenslanders each year while creating more than 40 jobs during construction.

“My Government’s $17 million investment will be met with an industry contribution of $6 million to complete the training centre.

This state-of-the-art facility will be constructed and operated by Electro Group Training (EGT).

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said students will complete their training in solar and renewable installation, operation and management.

“Under our Economic Recovery Strategy:, we are focused on creating and backing Queensland now and preparing for the future,” Ms Fentiman said

CEO of Electro Group Training Donna Pickford said Queensland was the second-highest employing state or territory in 2018-19 for the renewable energy sector with 26,850 full-time jobs.

“This is a fantastic partnership that will provide so many of our current and future electrical workers with the skills they need in emerging technologies,” Ms Pickford said.

“Investing in state-of-the-art facilities will ensure we can provide the training for the growing industry.”

The Minister said employment in the sector is projected to increase by 120 per cent in over 10 years.

“As we recover, we will need to make sure Queenslanders have those skills needed for the jobs now and into the future,” she said.

To find out more about the Palaszczuk Government’s Unite and Recover plan click here.

ENDS

Media contact – Inga Williams 0439 949 719