ERGT joins national conversation on skilling the Clean Energy workforce

Earlier this month, ERGT was invited to participate in a panel discussion at the Energy Exchange Australia, contributing to a national conversation on Skilling the Clean Energy Workforce for Speed and Scale.

The panel was convened by the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence, bringing together industry leaders, training providers and employers to explore how Australia can rapidly build the workforce needed to support the energy transition.

Representing ERGT, Stefan Vis, Learning, Research and Development Leader, shared insights from our experience delivering specialised training to high-risk industries and supporting organisations operating in complex environments.

Key themes from the discussion

Across the conversation, several consistent themes emerged about what is required to successfully scale the clean energy workforce.

• Safety and quality must remain non-negotiable. While the industry faces pressure to move quickly, maintaining high training standards is essential to ensure workers are prepared for the operational realities of the sector.
• Standardisation will be critical. Panellists highlighted the importance of recognising and collaborating on standards, supported by an empowered body capable of defining and evolving training frameworks as the industry grows.
• Employer involvement builds trust. Strong engagement between industry and training providers ensures programs reflect real operational needs and gives employers confidence in the workforce entering the sector.
• Learn from global experience. International energy markets have already faced similar workforce challenges. Leveraging existing knowledge and proven approaches can help Australia avoid reinventing the wheel.
• Changing perceptions around vocational pathways. There was strong agreement that vocational education, including TAFE pathways, will play a crucial role in developing the workforce needed for the energy transition.
• Supporting a workforce ready for the future. As the energy sector continues to evolve, collaboration between industry, government and training organisations will be essential to deliver the skilled workforce required.

ERGT was proud to contribute to the conversation and share practical insights from our work across emergency response, high-risk training and industry capability development.

We thank the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence for the opportunity to be part of an important discussion shaping the future of Australia’s clean energy workforce.

Panel members: Ty Theodore, Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence; Sri Sabapathy, OPITO; Kath Wallace, NM Tafe; Julie Binks, Pacific Energy; Andy Gray, Murchison Green Hydrogen Project