Gippsland industry and community representatives have helped shape three new renewable energy micro-credentials through a series of co-design workshops hosted by TAFE Gippsland.
Using a human-centred design approach, participants stepped into the shoes of different learner personas to explore their needs, challenges and aspirations, helping to inform the design of practical, learner-focused training solutions.
TAFE Gippsland partnered with Impact Co to facilitate the three co-design sessions in early August at Federation University’s Innovation Centre, with curriculum development partner Curio Group and Capire Consulting Group also contributing subject matter expertise.
Almost 70 people registered to contribute their knowledge and experience to the development process across the three workshops. Representing a diverse range of industries, organisations and professional backgrounds, they each brought valuable insights into the skills, knowledge and capabilities needed to support Australia’s renewable energy transition.
TAFE Gippsland General Manager Product & Innovation Jules Blundell said the co-design process was critical to ensuring the training responds to real industry needs.
“We wanted to bring industry into the room from the very beginning, because the people working across the renewable energy sector are best placed to tell us what skills and capabilities are needed now and into the future,” Ms Blundell said.
“The response has been fantastic, with 67 people registering to contribute through the workshops and individual interviews. We’ve heard from people with a diverse range of experience and perspectives, and that feedback will directly inform the curriculum.”
Through learner personas and collaborative discussion, participants identified the experiences, challenges and capabilities that should shape future training solutions.
TAFE Gippsland is now moving into the curriculum design phase with Curio Group, incorporating feedback gathered through the workshops and stakeholder interviews into the course development process.
The three micro-credentials will form part of the training offering delivered through the Victorian Renewable Energy TAFE Centre of Excellence at TAFE Gippsland.
Centre of Excellence Director Holly Perriam said the micro-credentials would complement their broader work, supporting the development of skills and preparing learners and industry for the changing energy landscape.
“These micro-credentials are about making sure people can access relevant, targeted training that reflects what is happening on the ground across the renewable energy sector,” Ms Perriam said.
“By combining industry expertise with TAFE Gippsland’s training capability, we can develop learning that is practical, current and designed with the future workforce in mind.”
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.