Tighes Hill Tafe to Host $60M Net Zero Manufacturing Training Hub

29 October 2024

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns visit Tighes Hill Tafe in Newcastle today, alongside Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Tim Crakanthorp MP, Sharon Claydon MP, Dan Repacholi MP, Meryl Swanson MP, Andrew Giles MP

Aiming to drive Australia’s transition towards a sustainable manufacturing economy, the Federal and NSW Governments have jointly committed more than $60 million to establish the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus in Newcastle. This centre is expected to play a pivotal role in skilling the workforce for a net-zero economy and fostering renewable energy advancements across the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

The funding, split evenly between the federal and NSW governments, with an additional $5.27 million from the Albanese Government, is set to fuel a Higher Apprenticeship model that blends vocational training with higher education. The program will provide critical skills in areas like electrotechnology, welding, and digital technologies to meet growing demands in advanced manufacturing sectors.

The Centre of Excellence will offer mobile training units, expanding access to technology-integrated education across remote parts of northern NSW. It will also establish a National Renewable Energy Microskills Marketplace, allowing TAFEs nationwide to share courses tailored for the renewable sector.

“Investing in a Future Made in Australia means preparing the workforce for the skills needed tomorrow,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “The Hunter, with its manufacturing legacy, is the ideal location for this transformative training hub.”

Premier Chris Minns echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Hunter’s role as a powerhouse for energy and manufacturing. “We are ensuring the region has the necessary skills to seize the opportunities presented by our energy transition,” he stated, adding that the initiative supports the government’s target to create 1,000 additional apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing annually.

The Centre’s apprenticeship model is designed to close the gap between vocational and higher education, delivering skills in areas such as advanced fabrication and mechatronics. With partnerships among TAFE NSW, local industries, and universities, the training hub will promote parity between technical and higher education qualifications, equipping workers to engage in the renewable energy sector’s growing demands.

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles noted, “This is a defining moment for TAFE in leading Australia’s clean energy economy. This centre will be the launchpad for skilled jobs vital for our net zero goals.”

Expected to boost local manufacturing capabilities, the Centre aligns with the government’s vision to rebuild Australia’s onshore manufacturing, including projects like the NSW Tangara fleet. Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan affirmed that skilled workers are key to achieving this shift. “This centre will empower the workforce with the skills needed to drive our renewable manufacturing ambitions,” he said.

Set against the backdrop of a broader commitment from the Albanese Government to invest $325 million over five years into TAFE Centres of Excellence across Australia, the Hunter’s new hub is part of a national strategy to ensure local manufacturing remains competitive and sustainable.