The Albanese Government has announced a $40 million investment to establish Australia’s first National Training Centre in New Energy Skills, aimed at equipping thousands of tradies with the skills needed for the nation’s clean energy transformation.
The centre, to be built in Melbourne’s west, will be delivered through a partnership between the Commonwealth, the Allan Labor Government, and the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC). It is expected to train more than 2,000 existing tradespeople and at least 200 apprentices each year, helping to meet growing demand for workers in renewable energy sectors.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the initiative reflected Labor’s commitment to preparing young Australians for the jobs of the future.
“Only Labor will build Australia’s future by making sure our young people have the skills and training they need for the jobs of the future in the clean energy workforce,” Mr Bowen said.
“Young people around Australia are taking up clean energy opportunities through apprenticeships now, helping them secure jobs of the future and support our net-zero transformation.”
The centre will focus on training and upskilling tradespeople, including plumbers, gasfitters, and refrigeration workers in the installation and maintenance of emerging energy technologies such as heat pumps. The aim is to strengthen workforce and consumer confidence in new technologies while promoting best practice standards for energy upgrades.
The Albanese Government has committed $20 million towards the project, while the Allan Government and PICAC will each contribute $10 million.
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said the project would help drive down energy costs for households and businesses.
“Victorians can have confidence that our workforce of tradies are equipped with the latest information and skills to work with new renewable energy technologies and electric appliances that will help drive down energy bills,” she said.
“Victoria’s energy workforce is projected to grow to over 67,000 workers by 2040 – more than double the current size, and this partnership will ensure our workforce is ready for the jobs of tomorrow.”
In addition to the new centre, the Albanese Government’s New Energy Apprenticeship Program offers $10,000 incentive payments to help offset the cost of living and equipment for apprentices entering clean energy trades. Nearly 8,500 apprentices have already signed up under the program, and the government expects these numbers to grow further with the new investment.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said there has never been a better time to enter the new energy trade.
“With our New Energy Apprenticeship incentive payments, Free TAFE, and a fantastic training facility like this, there has never been a better time to pick up the tools and become a new energy tradie,” Mr Giles said.
“Only an Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future and the workforce we need to deliver it.”
Shayne La Combre, CEO of PICAC, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of preparing workers for the fast-evolving energy sector.
“We are thrilled to be bringing this nationally significant, world-class new energy training centre to life in the heart of Melbourne’s west,” Mr La Combre said.
“We can help thousands of young people into rewarding new energy careers, upskill existing workers, and help more women into new energy trades.”
The centre will also help service Melbourne’s rapidly growing western suburbs, one of Australia’s fastest-growing and youngest regions.
The government’s investment in renewable energy skills comes as part of broader efforts to support households and businesses transition to cleaner energy sources. Labor’s policies include increasing rooftop solar capacity, upgrading 100,000 social homes with energy-efficient technologies, and supporting low-cost loans to make home batteries more affordable.
In contrast, the government criticised Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s energy policies, particularly plans for nuclear power, claiming they would cut initiatives like Free TAFE and stall Australia’s renewables progress.
“Peter Dutton’s $600 billion nuclear scheme won’t deliver a single new energy job but will stop the rollout of renewables and good, lasting jobs into the future,”
Mr Bowen said.
Consistent with standard practice, the project’s funding will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles. Construction of the National Training Centre in New Energy Skills is expected to commence following the election, with the first intake of students targeted soon after its completion.
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