The Victorian government has announced a $900,000 investment to upskill more electricians and electrical engineers.
The latest investment is part of the state’s efforts to take advantage of Victoria’s recent solar boom, the state government said in a statement Tuesday.
“Victoria’s solar and renewable energy sector is booming and demand for a skilled workforce will be creating jobs and businesses as we target a 50 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030,” Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said.
“I encourage anyone in this industry to take advantage of this opportunity – especially women, given their current under-representation in the industry.”
The funding will allow more providers in more locations to offer the fully subsidised Upskilling for Electricians and Electrical Engineers training program and support the upskilling of an additional 432 workers in solar photovoltaic and battery design and installation.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Victoria’s electricians and electrical engineer workforce to upskill for the transition to solar and heat pump hot water for free and I encourage all who are eligible to enrol,” said Gayle Tierney, minister for training and skills.
The program was launched in March 2022 as part of the government’s $11 million Growing Our Clean Energy Workforce training and workforce development package.
The training is open to all Victorian electrical workers, including existing electricians and electrical apprentices and electrical engineers that seek to undertake training in solar PV and battery systems design.
Enrollments are open until 31 December and the training will soon be available through registered training organisations in other areas of metropolitan Melbourne, where demand is particularly high.
Participants who complete this training may receive accreditation from the Clean Energy Council.
For further information, visit solar.vic.gov.au/upskilling-electricians-engineers.
