Excellence in action: Hunter's Net Zero Manufacturing Revolution

Australia continues to take steps towards sustainable manufacturing and supporting the workforce of the future with the launch of the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus in Newcastle. This initiative represents Australia’s dedication to a cleaner, stronger economy that builds on the Hunter’s storied legacy in industry and manufacturing.??

Backed by a $60 million investment from the Federal and NSW State Government over five years, the centre stands as a beacon for skills development and workforce growth tailored to the evolving needs of the net zero economy.?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined NSW Premier Chris Minns in Newcastle to announce the Centre, emphasising its significance in meeting the demands of the clean energy sector. Both leaders highlighted the historical importance of the Hunter region and its workforce, who have long driven Australia’s industrial and manufacturing growth. Their presence at the launch reinforced that the Hunter is not only ready to lead Australia’s net zero transition but is ideally positioned to showcase the possibilities of a clean manufacturing economy.?

A legacy of excellence and a vision for the future?

The Hunter region has always been a “powerhouse for energy and manufacturing,” as NSW Premier Chris Minns noted, and this Centre builds on that foundation, equipping workers with new, specialised skills to support the energy transition.??

This is no ordinary TAFE upgrade - the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is designed to set a new standard for vocational training, combining practical trade skills with high-level technology and advanced manufacturing knowledge.?

“Investing in a Future Made in Australia means investing in the skills and training industry will need in the years to come,” said Prime Minister Albanese. “The Hunter has a proud history of industry and manufacturing – which is why this is the perfect place for this Centre of Excellence. This builds on the skills that are already a part of this region’s DNA.”?

With its focus on emerging skills in sectors such as renewable energy, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing, the Centre aims to make Newcastle a national hub for net zero workforce training.?

By providing technology-integrated learning and deploying mobile training units across regional and remote northern NSW, the Centre will expand access to high-demand skills in electrotechnology, welding, and digital trades.??

This unique “Higher Apprenticeship” model – an approach combining vocational education and training (VET) with higher education – will offer apprenticeships that deliver both practical expertise and academic recognition, establishing a new parity of status between VET and higher education.?

Pioneering skills for a clean energy economy?

The Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will also play a crucial role in supporting the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) within the Hunter-Central Coast, directly addressing Australia’s need for a skilled workforce capable of meeting the national ambition of net zero emissions by 2050.??

The Centre will feature a National Renewable Energy Microskills Marketplace, which will allow TAFEs across Australia to access renewable industry-related courses, sharing cutting-edge training and knowledge with other institutions.?

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “The Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is a great example of the Australian Government partnering with states to place TAFE at the heart of the VET sector. This Centre of Excellence in Net Zero Manufacturing will strengthen the VET system by providing high-quality and responsive skills training in the clean manufacturing economy. This will strengthen collaboration between universities and the VET sector. It will deliver the skills and knowledge our manufacturing labour market requires as we accelerate our ambitions of Net Zero and a Future Made in Australia.”?

Local investment, national impact?

The National Skills Agreement (the Agreement) is a 5-year joint agreement between the Commonwealth, states and territories to strengthen the vocational education and training (VET) sector that commenced on 1 January 2024.?

Under the management of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations , this Agreement includes a $325 million commitment from the Government to establish Centres of Excellence nationwide, each focused on high-skill areas essential to the evolving economy.?

Skilled workers will be key in enabling NSW to advance its onshore manufacturing in critical sectors like resources, aviation, and transport. As NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan explained, “Skilled workers are critical to support NSW’s transition to net zero and clean energy and to boost our onshore manufacturing capabilities in resources, aviation, defence, and transport.”?

In the years to come, the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will not only help decarbonise traditional industries but will also foster growth in emerging ones, such as green hydrogen and quantum computing. From this centre in the heart of the Hunter, Australia is forging a path to a cleaner, stronger economy – one that balances industrial prowess with sustainability and resilience, ensuring a future that is truly Made in Australia.?

#TafeNSW #SustainableIndustry #Skills #NetZero #RenewableEnergyZone #HigherApprenticeship #VETSector Department of Employment and Workplace Relations NSW Government Australian Government