TAFE, university and industry collaboration in hydrogen technology – SW TAFE Institute, Victoria

south-west-tafe

8 November 2021

Deakin University has received funding for research into identifying the best materials for distributing hydrogen gas to homes and industry, as well as into a new hydrogen powered electric cell for heavy vehicles

As part of these projects South West TAFE has had a senior educator contributing to the national working party that has updated several units of the national gas training package. The educator is in discussions with a local bus company and Federation University in regard to developing and piloting a ‘hydrogen fundamentals’ program for employees, drivers and service technicians at the company. This is subject to a favourable funding submission outcome.

South West TAFE is also in discussion with Deakin University and other stakeholders about its TAFE students being involved in constructing a future-focussed ‘sustainable hydrogen house’ at the Warrnambool campus.

Renewable hydrogen has been identified in several state and territory industry development strategies. In response to emerging workforce needs SW TAFE and Deakin University have facilitated a number of meetings nationally between several Victorian TAFEs, TAFE SA, TasTAFE, North Metropolitan TAFE (WA), TAFE NSW and Central Queensland University on the various hydrogen projects occurring in their states. The aim is to have an integrated approach to training for this emerging sector.

To date the group has mapped out a wide range of projects from production through to commercial and personal vehicle applications, to distribution and heavy transport. The National Hydrogen Workforce Strategy coordinator has been informed of the group’s work as it advocates that the Australian TAFE system should be brought in to develop and deliver an industry standard program that covers a range of processes.

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