Queensland jobs to be supercharged with $15m skills and training facility

The Queensland Government will build a new $15m electrotechnology training facility in Rockhampton over the next three years to upskill workers.

The CQ Renewable Energy Training Facility in Rockhampton will give local workers the skills needed for the jobs being created under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan as well as Queensland’s Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke commented on the investment.

“This new training facility will help upskill, reskill and train new and existing workers to deliver and maintain critical energy infrastructure to keep Central Queensland booming,” he said.

“Central Queensland will also be at the heart of Queensland’s high-value hydrogen sector – home to the Central Queensland hydrogen hub and CQ-H2 Stanwell’s flagship Central Queensland hydrogen project.”

Owned and operated by Electro Group Training, the facility will offer qualifications in renewable energy, train apprentices and assist licensed electricians to upgrade their skills to install, operate and manage solar and other renewable energy equipment safely.

Electro Group chief executive Donna Pickford says Rockhampton says the facility will set up the region for future workers.

“This investment into Central Queensland is critical to the region’s future, providing the right equipment and infrastructure required to train local workers for the State’s clean energy transition,” she said.

“We’re seeing a surge in electrical trade apprentice numbers so this new facility will be a game-changer for the specialised skills and knowledge they need for a clean energy career.”