Training for Tomorrow. Hydrogen Gas and the Future of Vocational Education

Australia is confronting substantial deficiencies in training for the growing field of hydrogen utilization, primarily attributed to a current emphasis on natural gas. Analysis of training.gov.au reveals only five existing competency units related to hydrogen, indicating a significant gap in comprehensive education. This shortfall is exacerbated by the misalignment between these units and the diverse sectors involved in hydrogen integration. To address this, a concerted effort is needed to develop tailored training initiatives, particularly for the construction and plumbing industries. Expanding existing competency units and creating new ones are essential, focusing on the nuanced demands of hydrogen applications in power plants and consumer piping. Collaboration between educational institutions, industry experts, and government bodies is crucial to designing comprehensive curricula covering both fundamental hydrogen properties and practical integration into existing infrastructure.