Partnership delivers post-trade training to Tassie sparkies

L-R: NECA E&C’s Robbie Nichols, Renewable Energy Trainer, Alex Newman, General Manager Training, TasTAFE’s Matt Dance, Senior Manager Industry Engagement, and Ben Shaw, General Manager NECA Tasmania.

A partnership between TasTAFE and NECA Education and Careers is set to deliver wins to the State’s energy sector by upskilling Tasmania’s energy workforce and increasing availability of post-trade electrotechnology training to meet industry demand.

The partnership combines NECA’s post-trade electrotechnology training capability in Tasmania with TasTAFE’s state-of-the-art Water and Energy Trades Centre of Excellence.

“We’re excited to be providing NECA the opportunity to utilise our Water and Energy Trades Centre of Excellence in Hobart during our non-teaching periods,” said Matt Dance, TasTAFE Senior Manager Industry Engagement.

“The collaboration will initially focus on post-trade qualifications in battery and solar training, while also offering opportunities for the respective trainers to collaborate and support industry best practice.

“Our Water and Energy Trades Centre of Excellence is not only a hub for innovative education - it is also a space for shared industry learning. This kind of collaboration strengthens Tasmania’s workforce and maximises our impact,” said Matt.

NECA E&C, which has been in operation in Tasmania for 24 years, has independently and collaboratively developed and delivered post-qualification courses for electricians by employing and engaging industry SMEs. This approach will continue to be leveraged to ensure consistency in training outcomes and build on successes already achieved.

“AT NECA Education and Careers, we’re committed to building Tasmania’s skilled workforce through high-quality education, training and employment services,” said Gideon Perrott, CEO NECA Education and Careers.

“This partnership enables us to collaborate with government and industry to help create meaningful long-term careers for electricians.”

The partnership, formalised by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, lays a strong foundation for collaboration and a partnership approach to training in Tasmania.

“We know there is a need for, and an opportunity to provide, more training for electricians, which will help the industry in Tasmania continue to build a solid future.

“We’re looking forward to working together with TasTAFE to share insights and industry knowledge and create the best training and education for current and future tradespeople,” said Gideon.

In addition to TasTAFE’s Water and Energy Trades Centre of Excellence in Hobart, construction of the Tasmanian Clean Energy Centre of Excellence in Burnie in 2026 will deliver more clean energy qualifications, create local employment pathways for apprentices, and offer industry greater access to training in another state-of-the-art facility.