A recently established partnership between Engineers Australia and Energy Networks Australia is poised to be instrumental in providing Australia with the engineering skills essential for a seamless transition to renewable energy.
This collaboration signals a crucial moment in the nation’s energy landscape, bringing together engineering prowess and industry insight to navigate the complexities of sustainable energy adoption, Engineers Australia said in a news release.
The agreement outlines a multifaceted approach aimed at bolstering engineering competence within the energy sector while concurrently addressing shared challenges.
Advocacy stands as a cornerstone of this alliance, with both organisations committing to concerted efforts to address critical issues and amplify their collective influence in shaping energy policy.
Furthermore, the partnership places a strong emphasis on competency development and recognition within the engineering community.
Engineers Australia and Energy Networks Australia will collaborate on tailored programs designed to enhance the skill sets of engineers operating in the energy industry.
Notably, Engineers Australia will introduce a new Chartered Area of Practice specifically tailored to recognize the unique expertise of engineers in the realm of energy.
A significant aspect of the collaboration involves workforce credentialing, particularly within Energy Networks Australia member organisations.
Leveraging the Engineering Workforce Credential (EWC) program, Engineers Australia aims to establish a contemporary framework for credentialing engineers, ensuring that industry standards are met and maintained.
Romilly Madew, CEO of Engineers Australia, underscored the urgency of addressing the skills gap within Australia’s energy sector.
The transition to clean energy not only represents a significant shift in how we generate and consume energy but also necessitates a substantial expansion and enhancement of the workforce capable of driving this change. ” Madew states.
“Our partnership with Energy Networks Australia is a crucial step towards meeting our engineering skills need and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Echoing Madew’s sentiments, Dominique van den Berg, CEO of Energy Networks Australia, emphasised the role engineers play in steering the nation through the energy transition.
“To meet net zero, we need the right workforce. From powering homes and industry to steering us through the energy transition, engineers are the bedrock of our energy system,” the CEO noted.
“The energy transition is now well underway, and we must make collaboration a priority. In partnering with Engineers Australia, we can help ensure that the right skills are available, where they will be needed and at the scale required,” van den Berg concluded.
