The Queensland Labor Government has unveiled plans for a new $15 million skills and training facility in Townsville, aimed at preparing workers for the growing green hydrogen industry.
The announcement comes as part of the Miles Labor Government’s re-election campaign promises.
According to the Queensland Labor Government, the proposed Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre will be the first of its kind in regional Queensland, joining a network of six campuses across Australia’s east coast.
Scott Stewart, Queensland’s Resources and Critical Minerals Minister said the region is on track to have the third fastest growth in jobs in all of Queensland, and it’s investments like this that will help local people take advantage of this golden decade of opportunity.
“The training services at this new facility will not only deliver the training required for North Queensland’s green hydrogen future but will also complement skills needed for our critical minerals mining and processing projects,” he said.
The facility is designed to provide comprehensive training for apprentices and workers in specialist plumbing, fire protection, and air-conditioning and mechanical services.
According to the government’s announcement, the centre will offer a full range of courses, from pre-apprenticeship programs to Certificate III apprenticeships and various Certificate IV and post-trade qualifications.
Additionally, the facility will provide accredited training in emerging technologies, with a focus on safe handling of hydrogen and other renewable gases.
The new centre is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and the state’s Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap.
According to the State Labor Government, these initiatives aim to create thousands of jobs in the renewable energy sector, particularly in the burgeoning green hydrogen industry.
The government states that the facility will also offer extensive training in construction industry safety and occupational health and safety, further enhancing the skills of the local workforce.
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