Australia’s first university program specifically for power generation professionals was launched this week in Brisbane by Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson.

The Power Generation Skills Development program was forged between the 3 Government-owned generators and 3 leading Queensland universities.

“It’s designed by the industry, for the industry, and I congratulate the organisations involved for providing a unique opportunity to support Queensland’s standing as a leader in the National Electricity Market,” Mr Wilson said.

“Our population continues to grow rapidly and we need to ensure our professionals remain highly skilled and at the leading-edge of industry practice to keep up with the increased demand on our energy supply.

“The three generators, working with the universities, have developed a program that will help workers in the power industry upgrade their skills and offer other qualified workers a pathway into the power industry.

“This unique offering reinforces Queensland’s position as one of the most forward-thinking states in the industry and it will hopefully attract power generation professionals from around the country".

Developed in partnership with Tarong Energy Corporation, CS Energy and Stanwell Corporation, the world-class, post-graduate program will be offered concurrently through University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Central Queensland University.

Each Power Generation Skills Development program is designed so that employees in the power generation sector develop cutting-edge skills, helping them further their careers.

Students can enrol in a Masters Program, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate depending on their professional experience and academic qualifications.

“The programs are structured to allow professionals to undertake intensive learning sessions on campus or at generation sites.

“This means engineers and para-professionals can be flexible about how they accelerate their skills development and fast-track their careers in the sector,” Mr Wilson said.

“There’s already been strong interest in the program with students set to enrol through all 3 universities and start their courses next month,” he said.

Interested power generation professionals can contact any of the 3 universities for further information about the courses on offer.

Details are available at: http://www.powergeneration.edu.au/ .

Photo: CQU's Professor Peter Wolfs (left) and Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson at the launch of the Power Generation Skills Development program.