Upskilling trades for a low carbon future: a case study of gasfitting and hydrogen

• Published in: Journal of vocational education & training Vol. 76; no. 2; pp. 468 - 495
• Main Authors: Sandri, Orana, Hayes, Jan, Holdsworth, Sarah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 14.03.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Carbon; Climate change; Companies; Environmental degradation; Hydrogen; low carbon; Natural gas; plumbing; Self employment; Skill development; Small business; trades; training; Training needs; Upskilling; Uptake
• ISSN: 1363-6820; 1747-5090
• DOI: 10.1080/13636820.2024.2312110

A global transition to low-carbon, resource-efficient economies is occurring in response to risks posed by climate change and environmental degradation. Hydrogen is proposed as a zero-carbon substitute for natural gas with the potential to reduce carbon emissions in homes and businesses. Trades, including gasfitting, will be affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy and require upskilling to develop competencies to work with hydrogen to ensure safety and support domestic uptake. Understanding the training needs of trades practitioners is essential to the successful transition to a zero-carbon economy. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study of Australian gasfitters, exploring what motivates gasfitters to participate in training, what informs their ongoing learning and what their preferences are for hydrogen training. Most gasfitters are either self-employed or work in small businesses, and, as such, this context presents both challenges and opportunities to consider in upskilling strategies. Drawing on interview findings and literature on small business learning, the paper presents considerations to inform training approaches and policies in the transition to hydrogen and also, more broadly, for upskilling other small trade businesses similarly affected by a shift to low-carbon and green technologies.