Industry, educators team up for clean energy jobs boost

The partnership's Project Advisory Group Danny Ryan (The Gordon), Carley Brennan (Skilling the Bay), and Tina Perfrement (City of Greater Geelong). Photo: SUPPLIED

A TRAINING pipeline is set to provide advanced manufacturing workers for Geelong’s growing green industries through a new industry training framework.

The Gordon has launched a partnership with Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC), Skilling the Bay and Geelong Tech School to ensure the region is prepared for its advanced manufacturing needs, following a $538,000 state government grant.

The collaboration will deliver projects including workshops and surveys to prepare industry leaders and education providers for new jobs and training needed for a net-zero economy.

Upskilling new and existing manufacturing workers to work in a clean economy will also be a focus, including a teacher industry immersion program, graduate internship and student work readiness program.

The Gordon’s head of centre for science and technology Dr Yasmin Chalmers said demand for skills and training would ramp up in coming years as investment flows for clean economy projects, products and solutions to meet the government’s 2045 net-zero targets.

“Working with industry to identify and understand the jobs of the future and the training those jobs will need will prepare Geelong’s growing advanced manufacturing sector for the future, improve partnerships between education and industry, and identify strategic opportunities.”

GMC CEO Jennifer Conley said cooperation between education providers and industry would play an important role in the state’ energy transition.

“The energy transition is perhaps the most significant challenge we will face as a society and economy over the next two decades.

“Understanding the exact nature of the skills required to meet this challenge successfully and the training required is critical. GMC congratulates the outstanding Gordon team on marshalling the resources to make this happen.”

The Gordon hosted workshops during the past week to consult with manufacturing businesses about the industry’s needs.

It will also launch a survey early next month.

Manufacturers can get involved in the project or learn more by contacting project manager Helena Charles, at [email protected] or 0409 974 268.