The Allan Labor Government is paving the way for Gippsland’s existing and future energy workforce to retool and upskill so they can take advantage of new opportunities in the renewable transition.
The Transition Opportunities: Coal to Offshore Wind guide released today shows how workers in Gippsland’s coal power industry can play a significant role in Victoria’s new offshore wind sector. It follows the release of the Clean Economy Workforce Transition Framework for Gippsland project in January this year.
Both reports were funded by the Labor Government and delivered by Energy Australia, with TAFE Gippsland, Federation University, Atlas Professionals and Southerly Ten.
The report shows how more than half of the workers at Yallourn power station can transition to working in offshore wind, highlighting the similar skills and qualifications between industries. The report also outlines the training pathways required, many of which are available right here through TAFE Gippsland.
A boilermaker could undertake short courses and certificates that take between two week and six months to qualify them as a near coastal engineer, maritime welder, construction welder or fabrication supervisor.
A mechanical fitter could train to be a wind turbine technician, marine fitter, deck mechanic or cable technician. They could also upskill further to be a mechanical engineer through a diploma or graduate certificate provided through Victoria’s worldclass TAFE network.
These jobs are critical to the construction, operation and maintenance of Victoria’s offshore wind generation industry – which is key to meeting our targets of at least two gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy generation by 2032, four GW by 2035 and nine GW by 2040.
The Government is working with Energy Australia to ensure the managed transition of the Yallourn Power Station, including a $10 million worker support package to help workers and their families plan for their future.
The Commonwealth Government has granted 12 offshore wind feasibility licenses in Gippsland. These projects could generate 25 GW of electricity – more electricity than Victoria generated last year – and create 15,000 jobs during construction and 7,500 ongoing. The expressions of interest for the first auction will open later this year.
The Victorian Energy Jobs Plan, to be released in 2025, will further detail how the energy workforce will be developed to support the renewable energy transition.
To view the report, visit energyaustralia.com.au/offshorewindjobs.
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re taking workers with us through every step of the transition to net zero and these transferable skills and training opportunities are key to helping them prepare for the future.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"Through our investments in skills and training across our TAFE system, we are delivering a successful, structured transition that ensures workers in traditional energy sectors can access decent jobs in new renewable energy industries."
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Gippsland has always been critical to keeping the lights on across Victoria – and it will continue to be into the future while providing skilled jobs across the region.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“This report will help Gippslanders make the decision to continue their careers in new growth industry that’s in their region and help to support long term transition and development of local jobs.”
