Construction is now underway on NSW’s first Hydrogen Centre of Excellence at Glenwood, designed to help ensure NSW has the workers it needs to develop a strong hydrogen industry.
Backed by a $25 million NSW Government investment, the centre will train and upskill approximately 8,250 plumbers and gasfitters in its first five years, ensuring workers have the specialist skills required for hydrogen systems.
Plumbers and gasfitters are some of the key jobs that will need new skills and training to support the shift to renewable energy. Additionally, there is a shortage of plumbers in NSW and across Australia.
Construction of the centre will support more than 500 jobs, including over 100 apprentice positions, providing an economic boost for Western Sydney. Around 50 staff will be employed once the centre is fully operational.
The facility will include purpose-built workshops and classrooms equipped with hydrogen-specific training tools, such as electrolysers, gas fitting systems and safety simulation environments.
This will provide apprentices and existing workers with practical, hands-on experience to meet future industry demand.
The State Government is taking action to ensure NSW has reliable, renewable power entering the grid, while recognising the important role both hydrogen and gas will play as the economy moves toward net-zero.
Gas will remain a key firming fuel as coal retires, making it essential that NSW has a workforce trained to safely manage both hydrogen and modern gas technologies to maintain reliable energy for households and industry.
NSW Premier, Chris Minns, said NSW needs a skilled local workforce to support its future energy system.
“This centre will help prepare the plumbers and gasfitters who will work with hydrogen as the technology develops,” Minns said.
“It means long-term jobs, high-quality training, and a pipeline of local workers ready to support the shift to cleaner energy.”
NSW Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos, said, “As industries begin to use hydrogen, we need plumbers and gasfitters equipped with the specialist skills to install and maintain these systems safely and effectively.
“By investing in this training now, we’re ensuring that workers and businesses are ready for the opportunities that come with hydrogen technology. This is about preparing our workforce and supporting local jobs.”
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said this investment ensures that apprentices and existing workers can access high-quality, industry-led training aligned to future skills needs.
“It highlights the value of strong collaboration between government, industry and unions in building the workforce that will support NSW’s economic and sustainability goals.”
