Victoria seeks bids for wind energy workforce training centre

The state’s energy workforce will grow to over 67,000 workers in 2040.

Victoria has opened tenders for the development of a Wind Worker Training Centre that will help secure the state’s pipeline of skilled workers in renewable energy.

In a statement, the government said the project, backed by a $4.9m investment, will deliver training for the onshore and offshore wind sectors. It will accommodate skill and career levels, making sure there is opportunity for existing workers to retrain and upskill, including Gippsland coal station workers who want to transition.

Victoria’s energy workforce is projected to grow to over 67,000 workers in 2040, more than double the current size of the industry.

The state is targeting a renewable energy generation of 95% by 2035, with onshore and offshore wind playing a key part in this.

Last week, the government released the Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statement 4, which provided updates on Victoria’s progress to deliver the legislated targets of 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2032, 4 GW by 2035 and 9 GW by 2040.

Applications for the Wind Worker Training Centre will close on 16 July.