The NSW Government has marked the official start of construction on the state’s first Hydrogen Centre of Excellence at Glenwood.
Backed by a $25 million investment, the Government says 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.
“This Hydrogen Centre of Excellence is about making sure NSW has the skilled workforce ready for the future. 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,” said Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos.
“We’re delivering on our election commitment and taking action to catch up on the skills shortage we inherited from the previous Liberal-National Government. 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.”
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, providing apprentices and existing workers with practical, hands on experience to meet future industry demand.
“NSW needs a skilled local workforce to support our future energy system. This Centre will help prepare the plumbers and gasfitters who will work with hydrogen as the technology develops,” said Premier Chris Minns.
“It means long-term jobs, high-quality training, and a pipeline of local workers ready to support the shift to cleaner energy.”
Construction of the Centre will support more than 500 jobs, including over 100 apprentice positions. Around 50 staff will be employed once the Centre is fully operational.
