Holmesglen Institute, a vanguard in renewable energy education, is reshaping Australia’s workforce to meet the increasing demands of a net-zero future.
Holmesglen’s Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence, located at the Moorabbin campus, is one of Australia’s powerhouses for renewable energy education.
Since its inception in 2008, the centre has been at the forefront of developing Australia’s renewable energy talent pool, a critical contributor to the country’s ambitious clean energy targets.
“We’re not just training students; we’re cultivating the architects of Australia’s sustainable future,” Holmesglen’s Senior Renewable Energy Instructor David Tolliday said.
With over four decades in the electrical sector, including 15 years in renewables, Tolliday exemplifies Holmesglen’s commitment to industry-relevant education.
A paradigm shift in energy education
Holmesglen offers a comprehensive suite of renewable energy courses, from grid-connected photovoltaic systems to battery storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
This holistic curriculum ensures graduates are well-versed in the broader ecosystem of renewable energy.
The institute’s innovative blended learning model balances theoretical knowledge with practical application.
This approach combines self-paced online learning and intensive hands-on workshops, enabling students to upskill while employed.
“Time is of the essence, and minimising time away from the job is a major consideration in our training model,” Tolliday said.
“Without compromising the learning outcomes, our self-paced online learning platform gives students the flexibility to study the fundamentals at home while continuing to work.”
The majority of theoretical knowledge is delivered online, supplemented by webinar support from instructors. This virtual component allows students to learn at their own pace before advancing to more practical aspects.
Face-to-face workshop sessions reinforce essential knowledge through immersive, practical activities and assessments.
“I am a great believer in practical activities in the workshop sessions to reinforce the knowledge,” Tolliday said.
“This model has worked exceptionally well, and our students absolutely love it.”
Holmesglen’s state-of-the-art facilities, provide students access to cutting-edge technology.
Partnerships with industry leaders such as Clenergy, Solis, and Fronius ensure training aligns with the latest technological advancements and industry demands.
Inclusive training and diverse opportunities
Holmesglen courses stand out for their inclusivity, exemplified by the Grid-connected Battery Storage Systems Designer-Installer Skill Set course.
This program caters to a diverse audience, including electricians, electrical apprentices, engineers, and non-electricians alike.
“I played a significant role on the technical advisory committee for the new solar training package, advocating for pathways for non-electricians to be offered, so we can expand the workforce, especially for women.” Tolliday said.
This approach underscores Holmesglen’s commitment to diversifying the renewable energy sector and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
The course equips students with the knowledge and skills required to gain Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) certification, essential for a rewarding career in the solar industry.
While electricians handle installations, roles such as designers and site surveyors are open to non-electricians, presenting a range of career opportunities for a broader demographic.
Strong industry collaborations
Holmesglen’s success is underpinned by robust industry collaborations, ensuring curricula remains industry relevant and students having access to latest technologies.
In 2023, for example, SunPower partnered with Holmesglen to develop and deliver their installer-based program.
“Our industry partnerships are symbiotic,” Tolliday said. “They provide us with the latest technologies and insights, while we supply a highly skilled workforce.”
This industry alignment extends to emerging technologies.
With an organisational goal to be environmentally sustainable, Holmesglen is also helping lead electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure education, offering Victorian qualifications in EV charging design and testing. The institute also stays current with rapidly evolving battery technology.
“Through our ongoing relationships with industry, we have leading battery manufacturers ensuring their products are in our Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence training workshop,” Tolliday said.
“Brands like BYD, PowerPlus, and SunPower are all used in our hands-on activities.”
However, challenges remain in the broader solar training landscape.
Tolliday said that the knowledge among Australia’s solar trainers is a concern, and there’s a significant shortage of quality instructors in the field.
To address this, Holmesglen prioritises continuous learning for its staff.
“Up-to-date knowledge is paramount for trainers,” he said. “With Holmesglen’s support, you’ll see me at numerous solar conferences throughout the year.”
Tolliday added that “our standing as a leading training provider gives us the credibility for top manufacturers to support us”.
This ecosystem of learning, industry collaboration, and technological currency ensures Holmesglen graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the renewable energy sector.
Holmesglen’s pivotal role in Australia’s renewable energy future has not gone unnoticed by policymakers.
The Victorian Government’s continued support of the institute’s facilities underscores the strategic importance of renewable energy education in Australia.
This funding has enabled Holmesglen to expand its capabilities, including the addition of EV charging stations and solar carports. These enhancements not only improve the quality of education but also position Holmesglen as a living laboratory for renewable energy technologies.
As Australia charts its course towards a net-zero economy, the role of institutions like Holmesglen becomes increasingly critical. The institute’s forward-thinking approach, evidenced by its continuous curriculum updates and expansion into emerging fields, ensures that it remains at the vanguard of renewable energy education.
“The renewable energy sector is not just evolving; it’s revolutionising,” Tolliday said. “Holmesglen’s job is to ensure that Australia’s workforce is not just keeping pace but leading this revolution.”
For more details, visit Holmesglen’s website.
This article featured in the August edition of ecogeneration.
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