Laura Timberlake
Engineers Australia is working with Engineering Education Australia (EEA) and Deakin University to launch a suite of hydrogen energy micro-credentials, which will enable the engineering workforce to upskill and support Australia’s transition to net zero.
The project addresses a severe talent shortage in the hydrogen and engineering sectors, which are critical to the nation’s clean energy goals.
Clearing the path to net zero
Head of EEA Joel Evans says research shows a severe talent shortage in hydrogen engineering is impacting the path to net zero.
“These micro-credentials can bridge that gap by equipping engineers with the skills they need,” he says.
“Partnering with Deakin University allows us to offer practical, industry-focused education to support the profession’s leading role in Australia’s shift to clean energy.”
Supported by funding from the Australian government through the Local Jobs Program, the project includes four micro-credentials and one webinar:
- Handling Hydrogen for Engineers
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Operation, Safety and Maintenance
- Hydrogen Electrolysers
- Hydrogen in the Built Environment
- Hydrogen and Social Responsibility for Engineers (webinar).
Bridging the gaps
The training suite aims to bridge knowledge gaps for professionals across energy, transport, planning, water, and government sectors, equipping them with the necessary skills to safely and effectively advance the hydrogen economy.
The project was initiated in 2022 when researchers from Hycel (Deakin University’s hydrogen technology hub) and the School of Engineering began investigating the knowledge, skills and attributes needed for developing a safe, reliable hydrogen engineering workforce. The findings indicated a critical need for hydrogen engineering curricula that focused on building technical knowledge and skills, and that was co-designed with industry to capture the perspectives of real-world hydrogen practitioners.
The project is underway and scheduled for completion by June 30, 2025.
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