THE federal and state governments have funded $32 million for a new state-of-the-art Clean Energy Skills Hub for Western Australia to be based in Midland.

A central hub will be established at North Metropolitan TAFE’s Midland campus and will network with up to four interconnected specialist ‘spokes’ based in WA’s regions.

An initiative of the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence (CESNCE), the hub will facilitate training across clean energy sectors including solar and wind, battery energy storage systems and related technologies.

TAFE’s Midland campus will use digitally integrated technologies to connect with the specialist regional locations, enabling the TAFE network to deliver practical clean energy skills training throughout the state.

The initiative will support regional TAFE colleges to deliver training aligned to local industry demand, helping support regional communities to build their local workforces and Aboriginal people to access industry-relevant clean energy skills training closer to home.

Refurbishments at the Midland campus are set to commence later this year, with increased training delivery in electrical and instrumentation qualifications from 2027.

The CESNCE is a $70.5m joint initiative between the federal and state governments under the National Skills Agreement.

Hasluck MP Tania Lawrence said the Clean Energy Skills Hub represented yet more opportunity in Hasluck and beyond for anyone looking to access the skills and training for secure, well-paid jobs in the growing clean energy sector.

“Midland TAFE is already a leader in specialised training, including wind turbine and working at heights courses. Our $32m investment will build on that strong foundation, helping train the workforce needed to support WA’s transition to clean energy and create jobs for the future.”

Midland MLA Steve Catania said a brand-new clean energy hub located at Midland TAFE will create more local training opportunities for students and apprentices closer to home.

“We know how important free and low fee TAFE is for the Midland community, and I’m pleased we are working to create more opportunities in growing industries.

“Importantly, this investment will help local people gain the skills they need to access secure, well-paid jobs and careers in Western Australia’s clean energy future.”

Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said workforce projections show we will need 22,000 workers in the clean energy sector by 2035.

“We want Western Australian workers to seize these opportunities,” she said.

“That’s why we are investing in the Clean Energy Skills Hub, which will create and expand training opportunities across key clean energy areas such as solar and wind.”