Redeveloped Aurora Training Centre to be NBN training hub

Aurora Energy’s redeveloped Mornington Training Centre will be a hub for NBN skills training, as well as continuing in its core role as an electrical trades training centre for Tasmanians working on the state’s electricity distribution system.

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings, Aurora Energy CEO Dr Peter Davis and Skills Institute CEO Malcolm White officially opened the redeveloped MTC on May 11.

Dr Davis welcomed the $4.5 million redevelopment of the MTC, which was originally built in 1966 as part of the former Hydro Electric Commission’s Clarence depot, and said the upgrade would extend the working life of the facility by at least 40 years.

“The redeveloped MTC includes a new all-weather poles and wires training facility, a new 10kW solar panel array, the new telecommunications training room, five new general training rooms, and a new facility for training in metering and switchboard testing,” Dr Davis said.

Dr Davis also welcomed the input of Skills Tasmania, which contributed $500,000 towards the joint development of a specialised telecommunications training facility to assist in the roll-out of the NBN in Tasmania.

“This redevelopment cements a key partnership with the Skills Institute, which has supported the training and skills development of Aurora staff over many years. With the NBN rollout now underway, the new telecommunications training facility is a natural alignment for both organisations,” Dr Davis said.

“This is the only facility of its type in Tasmania, and there is now expanded scope for its use by other organisations seeking industry-specific training in electricity distribution infrastructure.

“Electricity distribution and transmission are high technology activities, and the MTC now offers modern facilities to ensure that electrical workers from Aurora and the wider industry are kept up-to-date on the latest technology and work practices.

“The redevelopment has also improved the efficiency and sustainability of the MTC. The training centre buildings have been fully insulated and double-glazed, rainwater is harvested and stored for on-site irrigation, and the 10kW rooftop solar panels are used to generate electricity when they are not required for training purposes.”

Dr Davis said that the upgraded MTC also houses Aurora staff from the training, standards and audit, and electrical inspection teams.

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