22/04/2026
We were thrilled to bring together RTO leaders, trainers and system partners at today’s RTO Reference Group – Energy to tackle some of the biggest shifts coming for our sector.
A huge thank you to our speakers for sharing such practical, future-focused insights:
- Tash Hope – Trade Apprentices Queensland: Shining a light on support for cancelled apprentices, from mentoring and job‑ready coaching through to a reconnection grant (up to $500) to help with PPE, CPR/LVR refreshers and tools, and calling on RTOs to actively connect apprentices and employers into the register.
- Christina Bradley – Powering Skills Organisation (PSO): Walking us through major UEE reform work, including a proposed core‑only Cert III Electrotechnology Electrician, new LVR/emergency response and workplace evidence units, plus new First Nations energy literacy and proponent skill sets that will flow into the next UEE release.
- Claire Mooney – Finance, Tech & Business Jobs and Skills Council (Future Skills Organisation): Outlining the roadmap for reforming all six telco qualifications and related skill sets, with 13+ scoping workshops already completed and further targeted consultations planned across ICT, cyber and AI to build a more flexible, future‑proof training package.
- Jennifer Roberts, Roslyn Gnanasekaran & Bronwyn Meyrick PhD GAICD EMPA – Trade Recognition Australia (TRA): Demystifying OSEP and TSS skills assessments, the OTSR pathway for licensed trades and where RTOs fit in supporting migrants to complete gap training and secure licensing outcomes.
- Melinda Hill – Energy Skills Australia (ESA): Highlighting the national gap‑training model for offshore‑qualified tradespeople, plus the real‑world challenges around funding, state licensing differences and communication with OTSR holders, agents and employers.
Energy Skills Queensland will continue to use this forum as a solutions‑focused platform to:
- Advocate with TRA, ESA and JSCS on clearer, more consistent pathways for apprentices and migrants.
- Support RTOs to navigate UEE, ICT, cyber and AI reforms.
- Prepare our network for upcoming Train the Trainer opportunities and the evolving 2025 Standards environment.
If you’re an RTO or industry partner who wants to be part of these conversations (or receive early‑release drafts and workshop invites), comment “RTO Reference Group” below or reach out to the ESQ team to be added to the mailing list.