Expanding the clean energy workforce

Solar Victoria is offering free and low-cost packages for women to take up apprenticeships and training in the renewable energy industry – including air conditioning and refrigeration.

The Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades has invested $11 million in comprehensive training and workforce development packages.

Women currently make up less than 1 per cent of the solar and renewable energy industries. This includes HVAC&R technicians, electricians, plumbers, solar PV and battery designers and installers, and licensed electrical inspectors.

The two-year apprentice initiative aims to support women wanting to start a career as an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic, a mechanical services plumber, or a solar electrician. Apprentices in the program will receive payments on commencement and at six-monthly intervals for the first two years of their apprenticeship, and get additional career and professional development mentoring.

Businesses who are interested in becoming a host employer will receive a 50 per cent discount on hire costs for the first and second years of the apprenticeship.

Solar Victoria also offers free and discounted solar training across both accredited and non-accredited courses. The courses are delivered flexibly across a range of formats and locations.

For more information and eligibility criteria, visit the Solar Victoria website.