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 for the announcement, 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) in the region, 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.