Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (APRETC)

The Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (APRETC) was established by Federation University in 2016 to support a rapidly increasing wind energy sector and demand for localised skilled workers.

Backed by major global renewable energy companies Vestas, Acciona, Global Power Group and Tilt Renewables, the APRETC initiative provides specialised training across 3 distinct areas: High Risk Working at Heights Training, Blade Repairs, and Turbine Maintenance.

As a certified member of the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), Federation University will commence GWO Basic Safety and Refresher Training from a 20-metre replica wind tower in Australia in the second half of 2023. The first ever apprenticeship for Blade Technicians has commenced and is currently open for enrolments.

A global partnership with BZEE Network will see a nationally aligned training program developed to be delivered over 6-months, that places Turbine Technicians with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and subcontractors from late 2024.

Upcoming training courses

Global Wind Organisation Basic Technical Training Course (BTT)

This 4-day BTT Training prepares participants for further company specific training by providing them with the necessary training to perform basic hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, bolt tightening and installation tasks. Considered as either a starting point for technicians new to the Wind Energy sector. This course also adds value to trade qualified Electricians and Mechanical fitters by relating their existing trade skills to the context of a Wind Turbine Technical role.

Modules: Mechanical (incorporating Bolt tensioning) | Electrical | Hydraulic.

Upcoming 2024 course dates:

19 - 23 February: New Version: 5 Day course expanded to include exclusive Bolt Tensioning module | $3,496
15 - 19 April: New Version: 5 Day course expanded to include exclusive Bolt Tensioning module | $3,496
3 - 7 June: New Version: 5 Day course expanded to include exclusive Bolt Tensioning module | $3,496
5 - 9 August: New Version: 5 Day course expanded to include exclusive Bolt Tensioning module | $3,496
7 - 11 October: New Version: 5 Day course expanded to include exclusive Bolt Tensioning module | $3,496
2 - 6 December: New Version: 5 Day course expanded to include exclusive Bolt Tensioning module | $3,496

Register your interest >

Global Wind Organisation Basic Safety Training Course (BST- Initial) and (BSTR-Refresher)

GWO BST training will enable participants to support and care for themselves and others working in the industry by possessing the knowledge and skills of first aid, working at heights, manual handling, fire awareness, sea survival and in case of an emergency, to be able to evacuate, rescue and provide appropriate first aid to casualties. This training standard should be read alongside GWO's Requirements for Training. The GWO Basic Safety Training is divided into four modules which are aligned to six National Units of Competency - see course flyer for details >

Upcoming 2024 course dates:

15 - 19 January: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49
29 January - 1 February: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,808.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
5 - 9 February: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49
26 - 29 February: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,808.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
18 - 22 March: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49
8 - 11 April: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,700.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
29 April - 3 May: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49
13 - 16 May: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,808.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
17 - 20 June: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,808.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
8 - 12 July: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49
22 - 25 July: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,808.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
12 - 16 August: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49
26 - 29 August: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,808.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
9 - 13 September: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49
23 - 26 September: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,808.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
14 - 18 October: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49
28 - 31 October: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,808.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
11 - 15 November: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49
25 - 28 November: BSTR (Refresher) Mon -Wed | $1,808.00 NB: Entry requirement: GWO BST completed within last 24 months.
9 - 13 December: BST Initial (4 days) Mon -Thurs | $2,455.49

Register your interest >

View available training programs

APRETC: Australia's first renewable energy tower

Australia’s first renewable energy training tower was officially opened in March 2022 at Mount Helen Federation University campus. The 23-metre-high tower is Stage 1 of the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (APRETC).

View launch video >

APRETC: Tower construction

Extensive industry collaboration has been at the heart of the development and construction process for APRETC's renewable energy training tower.

View construction video >

APRETC: Training the renewable energy workforce of the future

Hear from our industry partners, students, staff and Government about the cutting edge training that will be delivered by APRETC – driving Victoria's renewable energy future.

View video >

APRETC: Certificate III in Engineering - Composites Trade (MEM31112)

Our Composites Trade course is designed to provide broad spectrum knowledge, to ensure graduates have the skills needed to meet the demands of not only the renewable energy sector, but a range of other industries.

View video >