Australia, Renewables, Solar, Storage

Institute of the next renewable generation

At Holmesglen Institute, the approach is both comprehensive and industry aligned.

As the renewable energy industry rapidly expands, the need for a diverse and well-trained clean energy workforce becomes increasingly crucial.

Holmesglen Institute has found a successful model that best meets industry demands.

“We offer a broad and comprehensive suite of renewable energy courses, each designed to address the varying needs of the industry,” David Tolliday, Senior Renewable Energy Instructor at Holmesglen’s Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence said.

“As a leading renewable energy training provider, we ensure our curriculum not only covers all required aspects of the training course but also integrates valuable, real-world insights from our industry-experienced instructors,” Tolliday said.

Commitment to innovative training

Holmesglen also ensures that students gain practical experience with industry-leading technologies, thanks to the state-of-the-art facilities at its Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence.

“Our programs cover a range of technologies, including solar, wind, and battery storage, ensuring that students are well-equipped to work across different sectors of the renewable energy industry,” Tolliday said

Students at the Holmesglen Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence work with cutting-edge equipment from leading manufacturers such as Solis, Fronius, BYD, PowerPlus, Clenergy and REC Solar.

“During their workshop sessions, they are required to wire, test, and commission various systems, ensuring they gain practical, hands-on experience with the latest technologies.”

In an industry as dynamic as renewable energy, staying ahead of the curve is essential for educational institutions and Holmesglen is committed to aligning their curriculum with industry standards and emerging technologies.

Staying industry-relevant

The renewable energy team at Holmesglen remain actively involved in applied research projects, working on and off the field, designing, installing, and supporting renewable energy projects.

This ongoing involvement with industry allows Holmesglen to keep technology and curriculum updated and bring the most current practices directly into the classroom, enriching the learning experience for students.

“I actively participate in several industry groups and committees, including the Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)’s RTO reference group, the UEE Specialist TAG and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Victorian committee. This involvement allows me to stay ahead of industry trends and ensure our training programs remain relevant and effective,” Tolliday said.

Preparing students for renewable energy careers

Holmesglen’s programs are meticulously designed, with emphasis on both technical proficiency and versatile, industry-wide skills, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in the renewable energy sector.

Its solar courses are designed to lead to SAA solar accreditation, providing a clear pathway for students interested in careers in solar and renewable energy.

For electricians and electrical apprentices, this accreditation can open doors to various opportunities within the sector.

Electrical engineers who add solar accreditation to their portfolio can significantly broaden their career prospects.

Additionally, Holmesglen’s programs provide non-electricians with the skills needed to enter the industry, particularly in roles such as sales, design, and site surveying.

Striking the right balance between theoretical and practical learning is essential in renewable energy education, and Holmesglen Institute has developed an approach that does just that.

“At Holmesglen, we adopt a blended learning model that combines online coursework with face-to-face workshop sessions,” Tolliday said.

“This approach ensures that students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. We also provide ongoing support to students throughout their studies, making the learning experience more effective and rewarding.”

Leveraging industry partnerships

Holmesglen’s strong partnerships with leading renewable energy companies and organisations are another key factor in shaping its training programs.

“Partnerships with industry are crucial for ensuring our students train on the latest products,” Tolliday said.

“Relationships with regulators, such as Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) and Solar Victoria, allow us to keep our Renewable Energy Centre ahead of industry developments, ensuring our programs remain cutting-edge.”

Earning the right certifications is crucial for a successful career in renewable energy, and Holmesglen Institute ensures that its students are well-prepared in this regard.

“Our nationally endorsed courses provide students with the knowledge and skills required for solar accreditation, which is essential for ensuring quality, compliance, and the creation of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs),” Tolliday said.

According to Tolliday, what truly sets Holmesglen’s renewable energy training apart from other programs in Australia is its deep industry involvement and ongoing support for graduates.

Tolliday said Holmesglen graduates have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the renewable energy field, showcasing the impact of the institute’s training programs. In 2023, Holmesglen’s Women in Apprenticeships Victoria Electrical (WAVE) Project, in partnership with Electrical Trades Union won Gold at the Australian Training Awards.

“In 2024, two of our former students were nominated for awards at the Master Electrician Awards,” he said.

“Chris Murcott of Murcott Electrical was a finalist for Master Electrician of the Year (Vic), and Nathan Allen of High Yield Solar won the Clean Energy Project of the Year (Tas) and Emerging Business of the Year (Tas) for his work on the King Island Solar Farm with Hydro Tasmania.” It’s deeply rewarding to see our graduates achieve industry recognition.”

Standing still not an option

Aligned to Holmesglen’s strategic goal of being environmentally sustainable, the Institute is committed to being at the forefront of renewable energy education.

“Standing still is not an option at Holmesglen,” Tolliday said.

“As renewable energy represents our future, we are committed to leading by example, continuously exploring new innovations and opportunities within the industry. Across all our campuses, we are installing solar systems and finding ways to expose more students to sustainable and renewable energy practices.”

Holmesglen offers alternate pathways into the renewable energy sector, especially to large wind energy.

Its engineering department based at the Moorabbin campus, adjoining the Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence (RECoE) offers courses in fabrication, welding, machining, all trades that are highly regarded and in demand in the large wind sector.

For more information, visit holmesglen.edu.au or apprenticesuccess.com.au or call 1300 360 921

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