THE Victorian Government has announced an expansion of its free skills training program for plumbers, electricians and other workers in the energy sector, with new courses aimed at supporting the state’s growing electrification workforce.
The latest round of fully funded training includes courses in electric vehicle (EV) charger installation, with demand for workers in the field expected to increase significantly over the coming years.
The training will be delivered through Solar Victoria in partnership with TAFE Gippsland, Holmesglen Institute and the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).
Additional free courses will also be available for licensed electrical workers looking to upskill in switchboard upgrades for home electrification and the installation of reverse-cycle air conditioning systems. Free training in energy-efficient hot water system installation will continue following strong demand.
The courses form part of the Victorian Government’s $5 million Electrification Skills Training Program, which aims to prepare workers for the transition to cleaner energy technologies while helping households reduce energy costs.
More than 6,100 workers have completed training through the program so far, with around 2,100 also participating in mentoring support.
According to the Victorian Government, demand for electricians, plumbers and other energy-related trades is expected to remain strong through to 2040. Under the Victorian Energy Jobs Plan, the state’s energy workforce is projected to grow by 50 per cent to around 68,000 jobs, with more than one-third of those positions expected to be based in regional Victoria.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said training more workers to install energy-saving technologies would help Victorians reduce household energy bills while creating employment opportunities in regional communities.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Colin Brooks said the expanded training would make it easier for workers to gain the qualifications employers are increasingly seeking as demand for home and business electrification continues to grow.
More information about the free training opportunities is available at solar.vic.gov.au/training-workforce-development