Turbine apprenticeship a first for university

tertiary leader is confident Wimamera

students will have renewable-energy sector opportunities as part of a new Ballarat apprenticescheme.

The State Government announced a $2.1-million investment at Federation TAFE, in part, to create Australia’s first wind turbine blade technician apprenticeship at Ballarat campus.

Federation University pro vice-chancellor and TAFE chief executive Liam Sloan said while the apprenticeship would operate from a wind-turbine training tower in Mount Helen, Ballarat, Wimmera campus students remained an ‘important’ part of the institution’s renewables-sector push.

“The students and industry in the Wimmera will be able to access the technician training because those opportunities are spread across all of our campuses. For example, electro-technology students at Wimmera campus will be eligible for the blade-repair apprenticeship,” he said.

“There are significant opportunities for electrical and mechanical engineers to take a sideways step into the renewable sector and go on to become wind-turbine technicians.”

Mr Sloan said while it was not feasible for the TAFE to replicate a similar training tower in the Wimmera, the apprentice framework of the course meant portions of training could occur in a variety of Victorian workplaces.

“There will definitely be some instances when it would be appropriate for Wimmera students to be on site in Ballarat. But with the apprenticeship still in development, there might be opportunities for some bloc courses to be studied either in Ballarat or from alternative campus-connected classroom initiatives,” he said.

“Who is to know? The apprenticeship is still in the middle of development, but it is certain Wimmera students will need to attend the Ballarat campus for some of the training.”

Mr Sloan referenced a Victorian Renewable Energy Transition Impacts Modelling paper prepared by ACIL Allen that suggested a further 19,000-plus full-time equivalent roles might become available to build and maintain renewable assets as the State Government pursued a 2030, 50 percent renewable energy target.

“The renewable energy drive will create jobs for students,” he said.

“We are committed to working with the renewables industries, particularly the broader sustainable energy in the Wimmera – not just around wind turbines.”

Wimmera service diploma

Federation TAFE announced it would offer its Diploma of Community Services course to students at its Wimmera campus to address a shortage of qualified social workers in the region.

The diploma, available from late march this year, will give students an opportunity to fill a variety of minimum qualification-required community service roles at Uniting, Grampians Community Health, Goolum Goolum and Orange Door Hub.

Victoria Skills Authority, Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Taskforce manager Jessie Holmes said the announcement was a Federation commitment to facilitate courses in skills that are in high demand across the Wimmera.

“We need to celebrate and support Federation on listening and responding to those needs,” he said.

Uniting Wimmera executive officer Josh Koenig said the diploma was a great opportunity for people to study near home in a space that would open doors to work ‘locally’.

“We are continuously looking for new employees to come on board and we find we have more success with local people, as locals understand the region and the challenges we face,” he said.

“I would encourage anyone who is looking to get into the workforce or looking for a career change to enrol.

“Community services are a challenging but very rewarding space to work in.”

Mr Sloan said the diploma ‘reinforced’ the TAFE’S commitment to the region and would ensure the Wimmera received the pipeline of workforce talent it needed.

“We try and support the region and ensure graduates stay local, rather than lose them to metro areas in search for work,” he said.

“We have listened to Wimmera employers and we are excited to be able to identity the region’s employment niches.”