The upcoming State Electricity Commission (SEC) Energy Jobs and Skills Forum to be held on 29 June aims to create thousands of jobs to deliver Victoria’s renewable energy future, as announced today by the Andrews Labor Government.
More than 59,000 jobs in building and operating energy assets will be created to assist with Victoria’s renewable energy target of 95 per cent by 2035.
More than 200 experts and stakeholders, including Traditional Owner groups, companies, TAFEs, universities, technical schools, training providers, local government, and unions, will participate in the discussion to help develop Victoria’s renewable workforce.
In particular, the event will play a role in the development of the Labor Government’s Victorian Energy Jobs Plan, ensuring that the state’s workforce can support its energy transition and investments.
To address gaps and manpower shortages and to position Victoria as a leader in the renewable energy workforce, the government said the strategy will give real actions a priority.
The forum will also cover the potential and challenges of developing the workforce required for Victoria’s energy transition, as well as how the industry can collaborate with the government and the education system to recruit, hire, and retain staff.
“The Energy Jobs and Skills Forum is a big step towards creating the workforce for the SEC and deliver our nation-leading targets of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035 and net zero by 2045,” stated Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio.
Meanwhile, Minister for Skills and Training Gayle Tierney said the next generation of workers is being trained and upskilled to resurrect the SEC and implement even more renewable energy projects around the state.
The Labour Government said it is making a first $1 billion investment to replace the 4.5 gigawatts of power that will be lost when the coal-fired power station Loy Yang A closes in 2035 with new renewable energy projects supplied by the SEC.
After receiving $5 million in funding as part of the Victorian Budget 2023/24, the SEC Centre of Training Excellence will now go through a business case.
To certify renewable energy courses, the centre will coordinate and collaborate with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority.
The energy and training plan of the Labor-led government seeks to produce 6,000 apprentices, trainees, and a pipeline of qualified personnel in the renewable energy sector.
