Students, trainees and workers will be able to get the skills they need to join Victoria’s fast-growing clean economy workforce, thanks to investment in new training programs to help people enter the sector by the Allan Labor Government.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today announced a nearly $9 million funding package to boost skills in environmental sustainability and the clean economy, while visiting RMIT to meet students undertaking short courses in sustainable building design. 

The announcement comes as National Skills Week gets underway across the country – a week to recognise the importance of vocational training that leads to quality jobs. 

The investment will support TAFEs, universities, training providers and industry to establish practical Skills Labs where innovative new short courses called Skill Sets can be developed. 

In response to the 2021 Macklin Review of Victoria’s training system, Skills Labs will involve industry partners in the development of new training approaches – including the creation of new Skill Sets, which are flexible, nationally recognised short courses designed to rapidly respond to skill shortages in the economy. 

The funding package announced today includes $3.45 million to establish three Clean Economy Skills Labs – hosted at TAFE Gippsland and Melbourne Polytechnic – to develop training in offshore wind, circular design, manufacturing and meeting net-zero emissions targets.

As part of the package, RMIT will receive $970,000 to co-design three new Skill Sets in sustainable building practices. These Skill Sets are currently being piloted with industry professionals and students.

RMIT student Alberto, who is pursuing a sustainable construction Skill Set alongside his Diploma of Building and Construction, will be able to take his skills and training and get a job building sustainable housing and contributing to Victoria’s clean economy.

A total of 10 Skill Sets are now available to study tuition-free through the Labor Government’s Free TAFE program.

The ongoing development and delivery of Skill Sets are funded through a $32 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2024/25.

Victoria has hit every climate target it has set to date and is on track to meet its renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035 – creating 59,000 clean energy jobs, delivering $9.5 billion in economic development, and putting us on the path to net-zero emissions by 2045.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney 

"Every National Skills Week I’m proud to celebrate our world-class vocational training system – and every year we continue to work hard to make sure Victorians have the skills they need for the in-demand jobs of the future.”

“Skills and training are vital to achieve our ambitious net zero emissions targets. We are continuing to invest in our TAFEs and training providers, in partnership with industry, to upskill workers for the clean economy.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

"By investing in training programs that equip Victorians with the skills for a sustainable future, we’re not just creating jobs — we’re making that our workforce is ready to lead the way to meet our world leading climate targets."

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt

"With so many universities and TAFEs across Melbourne offering specialised training in clean energy, our city is becoming a hub for the skills and innovation needed to power Victoria's transition to a sustainable future."

Quote attributable to Deputy Vice Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice President RMIT University Mish Eastman

“As Australia’s largest dual-sector university, RMIT and our College of Vocational Education is primed to support the transition to a clean economy through the co-creation and delivery of new and emerging skills – working hand in glove with our industry partners, communities, and government.”