South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) has commenced a national applied research project funded by the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries to help sustain and grow Australia's battery manufacturing workforce.
The Centre, led by TAFE Queensland, is a joint initiative between the Australian and Queensland Governments.
About the project
As Australia accelerates its clean energy transition, demand for skilled workers in battery energy storage systems (BESS) manufacturing is rising. This applied research project investigates how vocational education and training (VET) can support the national BESS workforce—from manufacturing to assembly and system integration.
The project will analyse workforce needs, map job tasks, identify training gaps, develop training capability, develop workforce planning and pilot new training resources and/or models. It will be conducted from December 2025 to December 2026.
Collaboration partners
Project partners include South Metropolitan TAFE (Lead), TAFE Queensland (Collaboration Partner), and Magellan Power (Industry Supporter). Additional partners are being engaged through the research program.
Stakeholder network
We are inviting employers, training providers, peak bodies and any interested parties across Australia to engage with this research by registering to be part of a BESS manufacturing training network. Project webinars and updates will be provided to the network.