Victoria’s State Electricity Commission (SEC) is making a comeback to foster a skilled energy workforce, as the state pushes forward to reach its goal of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035.
Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio recently paid a visit to the Glenrowan Solar Farm, a project poised to play a pivotal role in powering government operations across Victoria upon its completion.
The initiative received support from the Labor Government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target, which, under the SEC’s 10-year strategic plan, will be integrated into the SEC as it supplies power to the Victorian Government as its primary customer.
The Victorian Renewable Energy Target is expected to generate 1.2 gigawatts of energy, facilitating the transition to 100 per cent renewable energy for all public hospitals, schools, and Victorian Government operations by 2025.
According to the government, to carry out and oversee renewable energy projects, a substantial and highly skilled workforce will be essential.
The SEC aims to create over 59,000 job opportunities for Victorians, including 6,000 traineeships and apprenticeships.
In partnership with industry leaders, the SEC will collaborate with schools, TAFEs (Technical and Further Education institutions), and universities to establish a continuous supply of skilled renewable energy professionals.
The SEC’s Center of Training Excellence will be established to support the recruitment, training, and retention of this budding renewable energy workforce.
Minister D’Ambrosio emphasised that the SEC would play a vital role in attracting and training the essential renewable energy workforce required by Victoria.
“The SEC will help create 59,000 jobs and will help deliver an unprecedented workforce of highly skilled renewable energy professionals,” Minister D’Ambrosio.
Furthermore, Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney stressed that the renewable energy transition would offer numerous opportunities.
“There are so many opportunities to come from the renewable energy transition and training providers, TAFE and the SEC Centre of Training Excellence will be critical to ensuring our future workforce has the right skills for the job,” Minister Tierney remarked.
Consultations will soon commence with industry representatives and Traditional Owners to design the new SEC Center, with implementation slated for 2025.
Additionally, later this year, the SEC will initiate interactions with students at school career nights and events to highlight the expanding opportunities in renewable energy careers and pathways.
The Glenrowan solar farm, with its 102-megawatt (MW) capacity, will generate enough power to supply approximately 45,000 Australian households while creating employment opportunities for 150 full-time positions.
For more information about the SEC and its efforts to bolster the growing renewable energy workforce, visit this link.
