The Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools Partnership is helping to skill the future energy workforce of Queensland, with over $800,000 in State Government funding set to benefit more than 2,000 students over the next three years.
The program, delivered by Energy Skills Queensland, broadens science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) knowledge to diversify and assist in accelerating future skills and opportunities towards the hydrogen industry.
Students that participate in the Hydrogen Gateway Industry to Schools Partnership will be exposed to a range of learning experiences to assist them in their career choices and self-select pathways to employment. From production, to engineering, to storage to distribution and exporting, the program offers various opportunities for schools to become involved.
This initiative offers teachers professional development to ensure they’re supported with industry knowledge to give context to STEAM teachings.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said Queensland has the potential to be a hydrogen superpower as the hydrogen industry in Queensland alone is expected to grow by $19 billion, creating an additional 4,350 jobs by 2040.
“But we need the workforce to support this jobs bonanza so that Queensland’s future workforce is primed and ready to go to capitalise on it,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I’m proud my government is funding this Partnership program to connect education and industry to create a better, brighter future for thousands of students.”
State Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer, said 32 Queensland schools and students have jumped at the opportunity to explore further career options, particularly in exciting emerging industries like hydrogen.
“When we launched our Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools program we set a target of 30 schools and we have already exceeded that,” Ms Farmer said.
“Our school kids want the good paying jobs we will create and skill them for in the renewable and clean energy sectors.”\
State Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said the Queensland green hydrogen industry is the greatest jobs, climate, and export opportunity in a generation.
“This initiative is giving Queensland kids a head start in the jobs and careers of tomorrow,” Mr de Brenni said.
“By 2040, Queensland’s green hydrogen industry could support 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, unlocked by the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.”
CEO Energy Skills Queensland, David Cross, said, “We are proud to be partnering with the Queensland Government, and we look forward to working with students from Catholic Education, independent and public schools across Queensland.”
State Minister for Education, Grace Grace, said Queensland schools play a key role in training the workforce of the future and the Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools Program will help students kick start a career in hydrogen.
“This Queensland Government program will broaden both students and teachers’ knowledge of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics,” Ms Grace said.
“Along with other school-based initiatives like our Local Schools Local Jobs election commitment, the Queensland Government is preparing students for good jobs in emerging industry sectors, setting them up for a great future.”
The broader Gateway Industry to Schools program takes in industries including Aerospace, Advanced Manufacturing, Health, Screen and Media, Agribusiness and more.
In 2022, across all eleven industries, nearly 31,000 students participated in the program which is offered through nearly 600 partnerships with state, independent and catholic schools Queensland wide.
