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The Regional Economic Futures Fund (REFF) is a $200 million program to support Queensland communities to seize industry development opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.
TAFE Queensland is leading five projects funded by $13 million of the REFF initiative.
Our world-class facilities, industry-current educators, and nationally recognised battery technologies and renewable energy training will play an important role in supporting Queensland’s transition to renewable energy and net zero.
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Developed by TAFE Queensland, the RTP will deliver targeted region-specific training to meet industry requirements to support the transition to renewables in Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Kingaroy, and Goondiwindi.
RTP will utilise renewable energy training hubs and mobile training facilities to ensure that pilot training programs and training outcomes meet industry needs.
A range of specialised course content, including micro-credentials, train the trainer materials, skill sets, and nationally accredited units of competency, will be developed to equip individuals in these regions with the necessary skills to pursue career opportunities in the growing renewable energy and critical minerals industries.
The CMH will be established at TAFE Queensland's Mt Isa campus. This hub will provide participants access to cutting-edge equipment such as operator simulators and advanced computer-based training tools with immersive XR learning experiences.
Alongside the development of the CMH, a range of specialised course content, including micro-credentials, train the trainer materials, skill sets, and nationally accredited units of competency, will be offered to upskill participants to meet the evolving skilling needs of the critical minerals industry.
The RETHs in Toowoomba, Kingaroy, and Mt Isa will be used to provide participants access to cutting-edge equipment and immersive XR learning experiences to cater to the growing demand for specialised training in solar and wind technologies while facilitating skills development in energy storage systems, energy auditing techniques, and data analysis.
Alongside the development of the hubs, a range of specialised course content, including micro-credentials, train the trainer materials, skill sets, and nationally accredited units of competency, will be developed to enable a locally skilled workforce to contribute to and bolster the existing regional supply chains.
Developed by TAFE Queensland, the RPI will identify and develop training pathways within the Banana Shire that support workers to transition into the renewable energy sector.
The RPI will utilise the custom-built Mobile Renewable Energy Training Facility (see MRETF) to ensure pilot training programs and training outcomes meet industry needs.
The MRETF will be a mobile training facility that includes cutting-edge equipment and immersive XR learning experiences to facilitate training in renewable energies. The facility will be used to deliver specific training and education in regional areas to support Queensland’s growing renewable energy industry.
MRETF may include equipment such as off-grid batteries, controllers, mini wind generators, and hydrogen generators to enable training in the areas of hydrogen, solar, wind, and hydro.
As well as the development of the MRETF, a range of specialised course content, including micro-credentials, train the trainer materials, skill sets, and nationally accredited units of competency, will be developed to meet the specific renewable energy skilling needs of the communities it will operate in.
Innovative training delivery: XR Hubs (Extended Reality including VR and AR)
- 12 Extended Reality Hubs (XR Hubs) will be launched in 2025 to support training delivery to educators and students alike at TAFE Queensland campuses including Kingaroy, Toowoomba, Acacia Ridge, Mt Isa, Bohle, Ipswich, Ashmore, Bracken Ridge, Bundaberg, Cairns, Eagle Farm, and Alexandra Hills Secondary College.
- The Queensland Government’s REFF funding will contribute to the development of XR experiences (AR and VR) to use learning resources in the delivery of courses at XR Hubs located in the REFF regions, specifically Toowoomba, Kingaroy, and Mt Isa with the Mobile Renewable Energy Training Facility (MRETF) delivering these experiences at outreach areas including Clonclurry, Banana Shire and Goondiwindi. These are in addition to existing XR experiences used in the delivery of trade, agriculture, health, business, and technology qualifications. The XR Hubs provide dedicated shared spaces for pre-configured, immersive XR learning experiences which reduces setup time for educators and enhances the participant learning experience.
- The XR Hubs provide dedicated shared spaces for pre-configured, immersive XR learning experiences which reduces set-up time for educators and enhances the participant learning experience.
- XR technology (VR and/or AR) has been selected to safely simulate high-risk situations (including first responders at an electric vehicle collision), reduces costs involved with using materials for training, and offers experiences otherwise unachievable in traditional training settings.
- XR technology allows immersive, engaging learning through simulations, virtual field trips, collaborative virtual tasks, and experiential learning, enhancing traditional education methods.
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Micro-credentials
Micro-credentials offer fast and affordable professional development, giving you an edge in an increasingly competitive job market.
Under the REFF initiative, TAFE Queensland is offering Clean Energy Micro-credential courses to Queenslanders at no cost.
Participate in REFF projects
Frequently Asked Questions
The Regional Economic Futures Fund (REFF) is a $200 million program to support Queensland communities to seize industry development opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.
The Queensland Government’s REFF will enable regional economies traditionally reliant on carbon-based energy sources, such as coal and oil, to transition to clean energy, creating sustainable jobs and stronger, more diverse economies based on locally identified strengths and priorities.
For more information about this initiative, visit the Queensland Government's website.
REFF projects are aimed at existing regional Queensland workers in the mining and power generation industries who can transition to new careers that support renewable and clean energy industries in their regions.
The regions funded by the Queensland Government’s REFF include communities with coal-fired power stations and mines, which are a significant source of economic activity and jobs, and those that have unique opportunities to support new industries such as renewable energy and critical minerals.
The Queensland Government’s REFF regions are North-West Queensland (including the corridor to Townsville); Greater Whitsunday; Central Queensland; and Darling Downs, South-West and South Burnett.
To participate in TAFE Queensland's projects, complete the enquiry form on this webpage.
The Queensland Government’s REFF regions are North-West Queensland (including the corridor to Townsville); Greater Whitsunday; Central Queensland; and Darling Downs, South-West and South Burnett.
TAFE Queensland's REFF projects are across the North-West Queensland, Central Queensland, and Darling Downs, South-West, and South Burnett.
Queenslanders can already start their REFF training with TAFE Queensland by enrolling in Clean Energy Micro-credentials. Micro-credentials are studied online and offer fast professional development in new skills.
To participate in TAFE Queensland's major REFF projects as soon as possible, complete the enquiry form on this webpage.
TAFE Queensland is leading five projects under this initiative which will help regional Queenslanders follow new career opportunities in renewable energy and critical minerals.
TAFE Queensland will be developing and delivering training in regional and remote communities aligned with renewable energy and critical minerals industries.
Find out more about TAFE Queensland's projects and how to participate by completing the enquiry form on this webpage.
As Queensland transitions to renewable and clean energy, new skills and jobs will be required, particularly in regional areas.
Queenslanders with existing skills in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing will be required to build new batteries to store energy, support renewable energy production through solar and wind technology, and mine critical minerals for clean technologies.
The demand for cleaner, greener, and more responsibly sourced products is growing, as identified by the Queensland Government.
For more information about REFF visit the Queensland Government website.
For more information about TAFE Queensland's projects or to participate, complete the enquiry form on this webpage.