CQUniversity completes first stage of Australian-first VET pilot
CQUniversity has been selected as one of only three institutions – and the only dual sector university in Australia - to deliver a self-accredited vocational course as part of a national trial led by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
The Delegation of Course Accreditation Pilot established in 2024, saw CQUniversity work closely with industry, community and other stakeholders to design and secure national accreditation for a new, first of its kind, Diploma of Renewable Energy Management, and fast-tracked through the pilot’s self-accreditation framework.
As part of the pilot process, CQUniversity engaged extensively with industry and community partners to identify high-priority skills and knowledge needs related to renewable energy.
As a result, the Diploma, now formally accredited, has been designed to provide students with knowledge and applied skills to better understand and contribute to renewable energy projects, operations and planning in non-technical roles.
CQUniversity’s Deputy Vice-President, VET Operations, Peter Heilbuth explained that the process had allowed the University to expedite the development of a course to support industry demand.
“Through our deep and ongoing engagement with industry and community partners we identified a strong need to deliver a course that will equip students with a broad understanding of energy technologies, systems, policy settings and stakeholder engagement within the Australian context,” Mr Heilbuth said.
“The course will aim to support learners from a range of backgrounds, including those upskilling, reskilling or transitioning from adjacent sectors.
“Specifically, it will support professionals working in non-technical roles across the energy sector - for example policy, procurement and community engagement - the people who help make the energy transition happen, even if they’re not wiring up solar arrays or working through hydrogen handling protocols themselves.
“We are extremely proud to be a part of the ASQA Delegation of Course Accreditation Pilot and we are also very grateful to the industry partners and representatives who generously contributed to our course consultation process,” he said.
“This project is an example of how CQU, as a dual sector university, is leading the way for tertiary harmonisation.”
CQUniversity is now preparing the course for future delivery, including developing learning resources, assessment tools and related microcredential offerings.
Self-accreditation of vocational education and training was a key recommendation as part of several reforms outlined in the Australian Universities Accord and aims to ensure training and education providers can be more agile and responsive to the needs of employers and industry.
About the Diploma of Renewable Energy Management
The Diploma of Renewable Energy Management equips graduates with knowledge and applied skills to contribute to renewable energy projects, operations and planning in non-technical roles. The course builds understanding of energy technologies, systems, policy settings and stakeholder engagement within the Australian context. Designed for flexibility, it supports learners from a range of backgrounds, including those upskilling, reskilling or transitioning from adjacent sectors.
Completion of the course will enable graduates to:
- Interpret and communicate core renewable energy concepts in professional and stakeholder contexts
- Support planning, coordination, and operational activities within renewable energy projects
- Navigate policy, regulatory, market and safety considerations relevant to the energy transition
- Engage with social, workforce and cultural dimensions of renewable energy implementation.
For further information about the Diploma of Renewable Energy Management please email corp-train@cqu.edu.au.
