Building battery workforce pathways for regional and First Nations communities

With support from the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries Applied Research Grants program, CQUniversity has completed a research project examining how Queensland can better prepare regional and First Nations communities for opportunities in the growing battery energy storage systems (BESS) sector.

The project, Queensland’s Energy Transition: Skilling Regional and First Nations Communities for Battery Energy Storage Systems, investigated the workforce, training and education challenges facing the emerging industry. The research focused on identifying practical and culturally appropriate ways to improve access to training and employment opportunities for regional Queenslanders and First Nations peoples, with battery projects continuing to expand across these communities.

However, CQUniversity's project highlighted several challenges limiting workforce growth. One of the key findings was the absence of a dedicated qualification pathway, instead, BESS-related skills are typically incorporated into broader electrotechnology and engineering training programs, making it difficult for learners and employers to identify specialised training options. The study also found that regional and First Nations learners can face a range of barriers when accessing training, including geographic distance, limited local delivery options and the need for learning models that better reflect cultural contexts and community priorities.

To better understand industry requirements, the project undertook extensive consultation across the renewable energy sector. This included analysing current and future workforce demand, as well as engaging with employers, renewable energy developers, training providers and government agencies, and seeking input from learners in regional Queensland communities. A strong focus was also placed on collaboration with First Nations stakeholders and these discussions helped identify both the challenges affecting workforce participation and the opportunities to create more inclusive and culturally appropriate training approaches. Insights gathered throughout the project informed the development of BESS training resources and course structure aligned with industry expectations. The framework was then piloted to test its effectiveness and relevance.

One of the most significant outputs of the project was the development of a five training modules covering BESS, including safety and recycling considerations. The training materials were trialled with a group of 30 participants, including regional Queenslanders and First Nations learners. The pilot provided valuable feedback on course content, delivery methods and learner engagement, helping identify opportunities for further refinement for regional and First Nations learners.

Professor Hurriyet Babacon, Project Lead from CQUniversity, said the strong collaboration between partners and the overwhelming interest in the pilot course highlighted both the demand for and importance of this training.

“This project has been a valuable opportunity to translate our research expertise in energy transition, workforce development and regional economies into practical outcomes for communities. Working closely with industry, community stakeholders and learners has strengthened our understanding of regional training and employment needs. I am particularly proud of our research team and guest lecturers who developed the pilot course on renewable energy and battery energy storage systems. The strong interest in the course, despite the short delivery window, demonstrates the demand for this type of training, and we look forward to seeing it developed further to benefit regional learners beyond the life of the project,” she said. 

Beyond the training resources themselves, the project has created a valuable evidence base to support future workforce development initiatives, providing practical tools and insights to guide workforce planning, training delivery and industry engagement activities across Queensland's growing battery sector.

The research highlights the need for a coordinated, long-term approach to meeting future workforce demand. Key recommendations include aligning workforce planning with Queensland's renewable energy ambitions, expanding successful pilot training models and strengthening the capacity of regional providers to deliver specialised training closer to where new projects are being developed. The project also highlights the importance of increasing opportunities for practical, workplace-based learning, helping learners gain hands-on experience and build stronger connections with industry.

The project demonstrates that developing a skilled BESS workforce involves far more than delivering technical qualifications. Success will depend on collaboration between industry, education providers, government and communities to create clear training pathways, improve access to regional delivery, support workforce planning and encourage inclusive participation.

As Queensland's clean energy sector continues to expand, initiatives such as this provide an important foundation for ensuring regional communities and First Nations peoples can play a meaningful role in the state's energy transition while helping meet the growing demand for skilled workers across the battery industry.