Trades training in areas from plumbing and electrical to tourism and hospitality are taking on environmental sustainability components.

The work being done at Hunter TAFE is part of the $700,000 Green Collar Skills Project, which will be introduced to all TAFE institutes in the state.

Hunter TAFE director Phil Cox said yesterday that the needs of many industries were likely to change as the result of carbon emissions trading.

"As a training provider, Hunter TAFE is aware that as new legislation is introduced, the training we provide will need to reflect industrial, legislative and economic requirements," Mr Cox, who is an Earth Hour ambassador, said.

"Our aim is to develop and provide green training to ensure that there are skilled workers with green credentials."

Some of the new courses under development include carbon accounting, solar-cell installation, building energy rating assessment and grey water reticulation.

"To achieve the transition to a low-carbon sustainable economy, the employment market will require a large shift in skills and training to equip new and existing workers with the skills needed to build and maintain environmental sustainability," Mr Cox said.

Hunter TAFE will turn off all non-essential lighting at campuses during Earth Hour, from 8.30pm on Saturday, March 28.

"Earth Hour was fantastic last year but we want to go beyond that this year," Mr Cox said.

"With 55,000 students at Hunter TAFE, Earth Hour is a great opportunity to promote environmental sustainability."