TAFE Gippsland prepares Victoria's workforce for jobs of the future

A major investment in renewable energy skills is helping Latrobe and broader Gippsland turn its energy expertise into new opportunities. 

The Victorian Renewable Energy TAFE Centre of Excellence, led by TAFE Gippsland, is helping workers develop the skills needed for the growing renewable energy industry. It is also supporting businesses to access the workforce they need. 

The $50 million Centre of Excellence (the Centre) includes the construction of a $15 million renewable energy digital training facility at TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus. The facility will include digitally enabled classrooms and a research and innovation lab.  

The Centre will support training across renewable energy generation, transmission and storage. 

For Latrobe and the broader Gippsland community, the opportunity is bigger than training. It is about making sure local people are well placed to benefit from new industries and investment as the region’s economy evolves. Holly Perriam, Director of the Centre of Excellence, said the Centre will provide leadership across the Victorian TAFE system and support the growth of clean energy skills across Australia. 

'Our new Clean Energy Centre opened in early 2026 and is delivering training in renewable technologies, including solar and battery technologies, as well as hybrid and electric vehicle servicing and repairs. 

'The Centre of Excellence can be described as the "front door" of everything clean energy training in the Victorian TAFE system, working with and leading state-of-the-art and industry-led training with Holmesglen Institute, South West TAFE and Federation TAFE. 

'While leading the rest of the state, we have a clear focus on Gippsland industry, the transition of the clean energy sector, investment and employment outcomes,' said Perriam. 

For the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA), the connection between people, skills and investment is central to a successful economic transition. This is particularly important as Latrobe and the broader Gippsland region continues its economic transition with the upcoming closure of Yallourn power station.

The region is already seeing examples of new economic activity and innovation emerging alongside traditional energy industries. NZEA is focused on supporting the Latrobe region's transition and ensuring the benefits of transition are shared across the community. 

More Information

Read more about NZEA’s recent stakeholder workshops in Morwell. 

For further information on the NZEA in Latrobe and greater Gippsland, visit nzea.gov.au/Latrobe