- Published:
- Wednesday 9 April 2025
Work is officially underway on a new training centre in Morwell that will give more Victorians the skills they need to join Victoria’s growing renewable energy workforce.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today turned the first sod on TAFE Gippsland’s Clean Energy Centre, which is supported by a $5 million investment from the Allan Labor Government.
The Centre will deliver world-class vocational training in clean and sustainable energy technologies, including the expansion and maintenance of wind power to cater for onshore and offshore energy systems, hybrid and electric vehicle servicing and maintenance, and smart grid technology.
The project includes a new stand-alone building at TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus. The contemporary teaching and learning spaces and industry-standard simulation equipment will give students real-world experience while they’re training at TAFE.
Construction of the Clean Energy Centre is expected to be complete in early 2026 and the new centre will have capacity for 200 students in its first year.
As the Gippsland region shifts further towards clean energy, there is increasing demand for skilled workers in the emerging offshore wind sector.
Investment in this project comes from the Labor Government’s $50 million TAFE Clean Energy Fund, which is backing students, workers and industries with clean energy projects across the state.
The TAFE Clean Energy Fund will also support new and upgraded facilities at Federation TAFE in Ballarat and South West TAFE in Warrnambool, boosting workforce skills and capacity in the clean energy sector.
The transition to clean energy, and meeting Victoria’s nation-leading target of 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035, will create 59,000 jobs in Victoria as well as 6,000 apprenticeships.
For more information about training or upskilling for a career in the clean energy sector, visit vic.gov.au/tafe
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
“Victoria’s transition to renewable energy is creating thousands of jobs and we’re delivering world-class training facilities to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.”
“The Clean Energy Centre is another great example of how TAFE opens doors – students in Gippsland can train closer to home for rewarding careers in the clean energy sector.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
"Victoria’s transition to renewable energy will create 59,000 jobs, and this new training centre in Morwell will ensure local workers have the skills they need to power our state’s renewable future in Gippsland."
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"This investment in Morwell will create new opportunities for local workers, ensuring Gippsland is at the forefront of Victoria’s growing clean energy industry."
Quote attributable to TAFE Gippsland Chief Executive Officer Laura Macpherson
“Our Clean Energy Centre will support industry and workers in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, by providing training in the new and emerging skills and occupations needed in the renewables sector.”
“This is an exciting initiative that will strengthen TAFE Gippsland’s position as a leader in clean energy education, sustainable practices, and the region’s shift towards a more sustainable future."