Clean sweep for clean-tech funds

A first-time Sunshine Coast Council-led partnership has snared federal funding for 24 Coast workers to further develop skills in renewable energy and environmental waste management.

As one of 190 applications for funding from the Federal Government’s $200 million Critical Skills Investment Fund, council’s partnership with Sunshine Coast TAFE and Cleantech Industries Sunshine Coast made the final cut of only 11 successful applicants in Queensland.

"That’s not bad for a first attempt," Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Portfolio Councillor Lew Brennan said.

"Over the next 12 months for varying periods, 11 of these 24 people will receive training in the area of solar grid connections.

"The remainder will be upgrading their abilities in the area of environmentally sound waste-water treatment processes.

"Who said there were no jobs in the renewable energy industry?" he quipped.

Federal Minister for Skills and Jobs, Senator Chris Evans, said the successful projects across the nation would support training for more than 7500 workers from small, medium and large businesses, "including more than 1500 new workers in the critical industry sectors of resources, construction, infrastructure and renewable energy".

"Almost half this training will be in regional Australia, including almost 1000 training places in remote locations," Senator Evans said.

For more information on the Critical Skills Investment Fund and the National Workforce Development Fund, visit: www.deewr.gov.au/skills

Factbox

Coast companies whose employees will benefit from the upskilling:

Wurtulla Plumbing & Drainage

Suncoast Waste Water Management – Ozzi Kleen

Plumbers 4U

Action Tanks Complas / Chamkar Environmental

Future-plus Environmental

Simon the Plumber

West Plumbing

Accord Electrical

Laser Electrical Noosa

White Light Electrical Contractors

Ecosmart

K & R Electrical