Energy and metals giant Fortescue has opened a new Power Up Training Centre in Perth, Western Australia, to build the electrical workforce needed to electrify its Pilbara operations.
Fortescue will need around 1,800 electricians at the peak of its decarbonisation program, highlighting growing demand for electrical and battery-electric skills across the mining sector.
The purpose-built facility will provide apprentices and tradespeople practical, hands-on training in electrical, mechanical and emerging technologies.
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Fortescue will deliver its electrical apprenticeship program at the Power Up Training Centre, with South Metropolitan TAFE providing the accredited curriculum and qualifications. Fortescue will also deliver battery-electric vehicle post-trade training for mechanical tradespeople, with North Metropolitan TAFE providing the accredited curriculum and qualifications.
Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto said, “As we worked through our decarbonisation plans, one thing became clear—the biggest challenge wasn’t the technology. It was making sure we had enough skilled people to install it, maintain it and keep it running.
“At the peak of our decarbonisation program, we’ll need around 1,800 electricians across our business—or one in every 21 electricians in Western Australia.
“We realised we couldn’t simply hire our way out of the problem. We needed to help create the workforce, and that’s exactly why we’ve built the Power Up Training Centre.
“Through our partnerships with South Metropolitan TAFE and North Metropolitan TAFE, we’re creating more pathways into electrical trades while helping existing workers build the skills needed to support battery-electric technologies.”
Fortescue is undertaking one of the world’s largest mining electrification programs, transitioning more than 800 pieces of heavy mobile equipment and 3,000 light vehicles.
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The company currently has 120 electrical apprentices and has doubled its intake for the second consecutive year. More than 700 fitters are undertaking battery-electric awareness training, while more than 150 tradespeople have already been upskilled in battery-electric vehicle maintenance.
The Power Up Training Centre features dedicated workshop and classroom facilities designed to provide practical training on electrical systems, battery-electric technologies, and heavy mobile equipment.
