The Hydraulic Consultants Association of Australia (HCAA) has today launched a critical industry initiative aimed at encouraging more qualified professionals to become teachers, warning that the future of hydraulic consulting education is at serious risk.
The HCAA has spent several years looking at ways to improve education in Hydraulic Engineering across Australia and while it’s encouraging to see those efforts have paid off with a strong and growing interest from individuals wanting to complete the Hydraulic Diploma, the demand now far exceeds current diploma teaching capabilities.
This level of interest is a positive problem to have and is a promising sign for the future of the hydraulic consulting industry. However, without qualified teachers to deliver the course, these prospective students cannot be trained, and the opportunity to build the next generation of consultants will be lost.
The nationally recognised Hydraulic Diploma currently has very limited teachers, leaving prospective students facing wait lists of three to five years.
“HCAA is deeply concerned that without teachers, there is no education – and without education, the industry will simply fizzle out,” said HCAA President, Derek Harris. “We are at a tipping point. If we don’t act now, Australia’s pipeline of future hydraulic consultants will be in jeopardy.”
To address this crisis, the HCAA has launched a targeted initiative to remove any financial barriers and reduce time barriers currently preventing experienced hydraulic consultants from entering teaching roles.
As part of the initiative:
- The HCAA will fully fund course fees for Full Members of their Association (who have previously completed the Diploma themselves) to complete a TAE qualification to become a teacher
- The HCAA will initially offer this sponsorship opportunity to x3 qualifying members
- Qualifications can be completed with a private provider over the course of 12 months rather than 36 months
Importantly, TAFE NSW has confirmed its support for the initiative and is willing to assist successful consultants into part-time employment as teachers on the Hydraulic Diploma, recognising that full-time teaching commitments can be a significant ask for practicing professionals.
John Chaumont, HCAA Education Manager and TAFE Teacher said meaningful change would only occur if industry professionals step forward.
“This situation will not change unless industry members are willing to be involved,” John said. “We need experienced hydraulic consultants to step up, share their knowledge, and give back to the profession. The future of our industry depends on it. If we don’t invest our time and expertise now, there may be no industry left to pass on.”
“This initiative is about safeguarding the future of our profession,” HCAA President, Derek Harris added. “By investing directly in teachers, we are investing in education — and by extension, saving the next generation of hydraulic consultants.”
Hydraulic consultants play a vital role in the design, safety, sustainability, and compliance of Australia’s built environment. However, without immediate intervention, the ongoing absence of educators will continue to restrict workforce entry, worsen skills shortages, and place increasing pressure on the industry.
HCAA is now calling for Expressions of Interest from their diploma qualified members, who are interested in contributing via a teaching role and helping secure the future of hydraulic consulting education in Australia.
Those who register their interest will receive further information outlining what the teaching position entails, including the expectations and requirements of the role.
For more information about the initiative or to submit an Expression of Interest, please contact Emily at the HCAA.
Hydraulic Diploma and industry education timeline and history:
The Hydraulic Diploma: In 2019 the HCAA, in conjunction with TAFE NSW, launched an initiative to re-write the Hydraulic Diploma from the ground up. The several years-long initiative led a to a relaunch of the Hydraulic Diploma by TAFE NSW in February 2022 and also made the course available to students around Australia and New Zealand, rather than the previous face-to-face on campus only option. This cohort of Diploma students completed their studies in June 2024.
Students: In 2020 the HCAA launched a Cadetship program that aimed to help students enrolled in the Hydraulic Diploma to fund their course fee’s and assist with job placement in the industry. Along with 2020 industry Sponsors Rheem and Viega, the HCAA Cadetship scheme currently has two cadets receiving funding and assistance to complete their Diploma and 2 of our Cadets have already completed their Diploma and are in the workforce.
Teachers: In 2021 the NSW government launched a sponsorship program to assist interested Engineers to complete their teaching TAE qualifications. However, this initiative is no longer available.
Teachers: In 2026, the HCAA is again launching an initiative to encourage qualified hydraulic professionals into teaching roles, details above.