Swinburne teaching the future of hydrogen

Swinburne University of Technology vocational educator Mark Taggart has been awarded the Victorian Gas Industry Teacher of the Year by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) in recognition of his commitment to ensuring his students are best prepared for the future of the gas industry.  

The award recognises the importance of teachers in leading us to a sustainable future and the role the gas industry can play through hydrogen technology.  

Swinburne continues to drive this transition through the Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2), which brings together researchers, industry partners and business to drive the implementation of the hydrogen economy through skills, training and education.

Teacher of the Year

Mark teaches gas fitting to Swinburne’s Certificate III apprentices, as well as Certificate IV gas night classes, which are predominately qualified plumbers seeking their gas qualification.  

He is currently developing the gas component of the new training package which will involve a relocation and re-design of a new gas training facility, taking effect in January 2024.

Mark said he was honoured to be awarded Gas Industry Teacher of the Year and emphasised the work of the broader team.

“It’s great to be recognised for the work we do at Swinburne. We are one big team so this award acknowledges all the work that the whole plumbing team do,” he said. 

Impact of green hydrogen 

A major initiative undertaken by the Victorian Hydrogen Hub is the development of the Hydrogen Skills Road Map, to inform and detail the skills, training and education required for the industry to prosper. 

As the industry rapidly evolves towards sustainable processes, green hydrogen implementation is expected to create new jobs that need to be filled.

Many existing jobs across industries will also be driven by green hydrogen, and it is crucial that the workforce is prepared through education and upskilling.  

“The Victorian Hydrogen Hub is testing and trialling emerging hydrogen technologies in order to drive the implementation of hydrogen across various sectors in Victoria,” said Director of the Victorian Hydrogen Hub, Gordon Chakaodza.

“We are committed to building a workforce that is armed with the knowledge and expertise to guide Victoria towards a more sustainable future, and addressing the gaps in industry through our Hydrogen Skills Roadmap was an important first step in that journey.”