Hydrogen energy micro-credentials aim to upskill engineers

Engineers Australia, through Engineering Education Australia (EEA) and Deakin University, will launch a suite of hydrogen energy micro-credentials with the aim of upskilling the engineering workforce. This will also help to address the talent shortage in the hydrogen and engineering sectors, aligning with the nation’s clean energy goals.

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)
   

The training suite aims to bridge knowledge gaps across energy, transport, planning, water and government sectors, equipping them with the necessary skills to safely and effectively advance the hydrogen economy.

Head of EEA Joel Evans said: “Research shows a severe talent shortage in hydrogen engineering is impacting our path to net zero.”

“These micro-credentials can bridge that gap by equipping engineers with the skills they need. 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.”

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 project is now underway and is scheduled for completion by 30 June 2025.

Image credit: iStock.com/Scharfsinn86