Swinburne teaching the future of hydrogen

In summary
- Swinburne University of Technology vocational educator Mark Taggart was awarded the Victorian Gas Industry Teacher of the Year by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV)
- The award recognises the importance of education in the gas industry as hydrogen becomes more prevalent in sustainable technologies
- Swinburne’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2) continues to provide insight into the skills and training Australia needs for the industry to prosper through the Hydrogen Skills Roadmap
Swinburne University of Technology vocational educator Mark Taggart has been awarded the Victorian Gas Industry Teacher of the Year by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) in recognition of his commitment to ensuring his students are best prepared for the future of the gas industry.
The award recognises the importance of teachers in leading us to a sustainable future and the role the gas industry can play through hydrogen technology.
Swinburne continues to drive this transition through the Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2), which brings together researchers, industry partners and business to drive the implementation of the hydrogen economy through skills, training and education.
Teacher of the Year
Mark teaches gas fitting to Swinburne’s Certificate III apprentices, as well as Certificate IV gas night classes, which are predominately qualified plumbers seeking their gas qualification.
He is currently developing the gas component of the new training package which will involve a relocation and re-design of a new gas training facility, taking effect in January 2024.
Mark said he was honoured to be awarded Gas Industry Teacher of the Year and emphasised the work of the broader team.
“It’s great to be recognised for the work we do at Swinburne. We are one big team so this award acknowledges all the work that the whole plumbing team do,” he said.

Mark Taggart receiving his award for the Victorian Gas Industry Teacher of the Year by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV)
Impact of green hydrogen
A major initiative undertaken by the Victorian Hydrogen Hub is the development of the Hydrogen Skills Road Map, to inform and detail the skills, training and education required for the industry to prosper.
As the industry rapidly evolves towards sustainable processes, green hydrogen implementation is expected to create new jobs that need to be filled.
Many existing jobs across industries will also be driven by green hydrogen, and it is crucial that the workforce is prepared through education and upskilling.
“The Victorian Hydrogen Hub is testing and trialling emerging hydrogen technologies in order to drive the implementation of hydrogen across various sectors in Victoria,” said Director of the Victorian Hydrogen Hub, Gordon Chakaodza.
“We are committed to building a workforce that is armed with the knowledge and expertise to guide Victoria towards a more sustainable future, and addressing the gaps in industry through our Hydrogen Skills Roadmap was an important first step in that journey.”

Predicted emerging jobs in various industries driven by green hydrogen
With passionate educators like Mark and detailed research outlined by the Victorian Hydrogen Hub, Swinburne students will be prepared to lead a green hydrogen future.
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- Technology
- Education
TikTok has a startling amount of sexual content – and it’s way too easy for children to access
Explicit content has long been a feature of the internet and social media, and young people’s exposure to it has been a persistent concern. This issue has taken centre stage again with the meteoric rise of TikTok. Despite efforts to moderate content, it seems TikTok’s primary focus remains on maximising user engagement and traffic, rather than creating a safe environment for users.
Monday 20 November 2023 -
- Education
- University
Swinburne commits to improving international student employment outcomes
Swinburne University of Technology is proud to announce its commitment to improving international student employment outcomes under Victoria's Commitment to Action campaign.
Friday 17 November 2023 -
- Sustainability
- University
Green partnership to accelerate Swinburne’s research impact
Swinburne has partnered with Twynam’s Earth Fund to drive the commercialisation of decarbonisation research, accelerating the university’s innovation ecosystem.
Tuesday 21 November 2023 -
- Technology
- University
Swinburne is leading the way in multi-cloud architecture education
Swinburne is rolling out a new course to handle the emergence of multi-cloud digital systems in workplace organisations, giving our students the latest expertise in the modern workplace to ensure job readiness.
Friday 13 October 2023 -
- Technology
- Science
- Sustainability
New $5.2M energy hub helps Victoria build a renewables-ready grid
The $5.2 million investment will feature a future energy grid laboratory with some of the most advanced digital technology.
Monday 30 October 2023