The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries is providing national leadership to develop targeted training solutions in renewable energy batteries, intermittent renewable energy source storage, grid connectivity, network embedded storage at large and small scales, and electric vehicles.
Working in partnership with state and national stakeholders, the Centre is exploring, developing and piloting higher-level pathways and innovative training opportunities to ensure workers can design, install, operate, maintain, and recycle renewable energy systems and batteries.
Through its Applied Research Grants, the Centre is funding innovative projects that address industry-identified challenges and improve education and training outcomes.
The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries is a joint initiative between the Australian Government and the Queensland Government.
Contact the Centre today or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about partnership, Grant or pilot opportunities.
Applied research funding available now
Submit an Applied Research Grant application and help shape the future of education, training and workforce capability across the battery technology, allied health, mental health and nursing sectors.
A total of $3.2 million in funding is available through the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries and the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support. Applications close at 11pm AEST on 7 September 2026.
Free battery training
With demand for battery installations rising, the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries is leading a national pilot program to provide free micro-credential and skill set battery training for the entire energy workforce, from trade assistants and apprentices to licensed electricians and educators.
From apprentice to electrician to business owner, free training is helping Izack further his skills.
Upskilling with free battery training has been the spark Harry needed to power up the next phase of his career.
With growing demand for battery storage designers and installers, Jordan took advantage of fully funded training.
Grantee in focus: SL Batteries
Sustainable Lithium Cells Australia (SL Batteries) is developing training to skill workers in lithium battery remanufacturing with the support of an Applied Research Grant through the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries.
Study with TAFE Queensland
Micro-credentials offer fast and affordable professional development, giving you an edge in an increasingly competitive job market.
With some courses fully-funded and taking as little as one hour to complete, it's now easier than ever to develop in-demand skills employers need.
Search our study areas to gain practical skills and insights from industry experts in the rapidly growing renewable energy and battery technology sector. Our courses provide you with access to industry-relevant training from experienced teachers in purpose-built workshops.
Inclusive education
Designed in close consultation with Community, download our Culturally Appropriate and Safe Training Framework 2025-2028 to learn more about our commitment to create a learning environment that is spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Frequently asked questions
Through the National Skills Agreement, the Commonwealth Government is partnering with states and territories to establish TAFE Centres of Excellence. The Australian Government is investing up to $325 million over five years across Australia, with matched funding from states and territories, to establish nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence. TAFE Centres of Excellence aim to deliver a skilled workforce for strategically important industries to meet national challenges. TAFE Centres of Excellence will increase collaboration between TAFEs, through partnerships with employers, unions, universities and other stakeholders, and deliver the skills people need for good, secure work and careers.
The Centre will develop targeted training solutions in renewable energy batteries, intermittent renewable energy source storage, grid connectivity, network embedded storage at large and small scales, and electric vehicles. The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries will design and develop training products, including higher-level pathways, to support increased participation and upskilling of priority cohorts for emerging skill needs in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of renewable energy systems and batteries.
Rather than a standalone facility or location, the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries, led by TAFE Queensland, is a network of national partnerships, products, activities, research and deliverables to develop and deliver training that meets the needs of Australia's clean energy batteries sector. |
The Commonwealth is investing up to $325 million over five years to establish and operate up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence – with states and territories making a matched contribution. The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries is a joint investment of $20 million from the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth Government and will operate across the TAFE network to develop training in emerging battery technologies and support the national transition to clean energy and net zero.
A Steering Committee has been established to provide strategic oversight and guidance to the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries, with representatives from government, industry and education. The Steering Committee membership is reviewed annually.
Steering Committee members
- Jenni Butler (Chair) - Chief Academic Officer, TAFE Queensland
- Paul Baxter - National Skills and Training Coordinator, Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union
- Peter Canavan - Senior Policy Officer, Australian Industry Group
- David Cross - Chief Executive Officer, Energy Skills Queensland
- Lynnard Cucksey - Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Materials and Battery Council
- Steve Hall - General Manager of VET and Technical Training, Powering Skills Organisation
- Michael Heinemann - A/Director Supply, Networks and Licensing, Electrical Safety Office
- Jackie Ingram - Deputy Director-General, Strategy, Department of Trade, Employment and Training
- Julian McCoy - Senior Policy Advisor - Jobs and Supply Chain, Clean Energy Council
- Kris McCue - Acting Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturing Skills Queensland
- Dr Melissa Nikolic - Senior Manager, Industry Engagement (Energy Transition), Queensland University of Technology
- Shayne Ostwald - Acting General Manager Operations, TAFE Queensland
- Jana Perera - Executive Manager, Stakeholder Engagement, Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance
- David Sinclair - Manager, Supply and Storage, Queensland Treasury
Connect with us
TAFE Queensland is collaborating with health care and support and battery technology industry experts and organisations to develop a network of national leadership in the delivery of skills, education and training through the TAFE Centres of Excellence. Get in touch with us to get involved and stay updated.
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A five-hour drive was worth it for Bundaberg electrician Arvin, who seized the opportunity to gain free battery skills.
Clinton gained free battery storage training through TAFE Queensland, helping power the launch of his new business.
Nick completed free battery training to prepare for growing energy and disaster recovery demand.
A total of $3.2 million in research funding is available for battery technology, allied health, mental health and nursing projects.
The sustainable energy sector will benefit from a major investment in applied research funding.
Electricians are being provided with free battery training to support Australia's sustainable energy transition.
The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries is leading a national pilot program to provide free battery training.
Over $1 million in round one funding has been awarded to innovative sustainable energy applied research projects.
The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries is advancing training to support state and national energy goals.