TAFE goes clean and green

Muswellbrook Chronicle
Friday 19/1/2007 Page: 4

Hunter TAFE students looking to go green this year will be able to thanks to a new course being offered at Muswellbrook campus. The Hunter Institute is leading the way with its environmental initiatives which this year for the first time will include a Certificate IV in Electrotechnology Renewable Energy.

The renewable energy course will equip students with comprehensive skills and knowledge to select, install commission, maintain and carry out repairs on electrical equipment and systems designed for the generation of renewable energy. Muswellbrook's electrotechnology head teacher, Gary Brooker said given the energy crisis there had been a lot of enquiries for the course.

"We have offered a basic level in renewable courses through a statement of attainment in previous years but there have been many enquiries into getting a Certificate IV which will allow people to become fully qualified," he said. "More and more people are environmentally aware these days and this certificate means people can install renewable energy systems." The types of renewable energy the course will examine is mainly solar electricity with some wind turbine study. "There has been quite a demand from throughout the state for a course such as this as the only other place it is available is in Brisbane," Mr Brooker said.

The theory component of the course will be offered via distance education with practical modules held about once a month at the Muswellbrook campus. Students who successfully complete the course will have the opportunity to gain a Business Council of Sustainable Energy (BCSE) Accreditation. Mr Brooker said it was a particularly useful course for those who live or work on farms.

"Many farmers find it much too dear to connect to an electricity grid once you factor in the expense of installing the lines and poles," he said. "This course will equip people with the skills to install solar hot water systems and other renewable energy technologies."