Powerlink has officially launched the interim Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub in Gladstone, which will act as a regional base for training energy workers.
The facility will train 500 energy workers each year as part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, improving their skills for a growing workforce and supporting the changing focus of the Gladstone area.
The hub has been set-up in the Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone and is well-located to assist with delivering a number of regional future transmission projects. It will help the growing workforce be upskilled in a range of areas, including high voltage technical training.
The opening of the hub is a strong catalyst for Powerlink to strengthen its regional presence and will allow for energy workers each year to be upskilled in a range of areas, including high voltage technical training.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher, said they are delighted to have Queensland’s first hub located in Gladstone, which will provide a significant boost for local employment and training opportunities – with more than 90 jobs expected to be based at the facility over the next ten years.
“This investment demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to providing tangible and practical job opportunities for our local people – including apprentices – as we gear up to expand the skills and resources available to deliver the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” Mr Butcher said.
Queensland Energy, Renewable and Hydrogen Minister, Mick de Brenni, said, “It’s facilities like these which bring the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan to life, setting a clear path to deliver the clean, reliable and affordable energy of the future while delivering on our renewable energy targets.”
“Building the SuperGrid is key to unlocking 100,000 new jobs in energy generation, green hydrogen, critical minerals mining and battery manufacturing, so everything we see happening in this busy region is essentially driving the clean energy industrial revolution.”
The training centre is intended to operate in the interim while Powerlink finalises the acquisition of a permanent site, with construction expected to commence for the long-term facility in 2024.
Featured image: Opening of the Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub in Gladstone. Courtesy of Queensland Government.
