New Energy Apprenticeships Program Amped Up

The Federal Government is expanding the New Energy Apprenticeships Program which provides incentives to encourage more people into sectors that are playing a critical role in transitioning Australia to a net-zero economy and support its “Future Made in Australia” goal.

From June 1, 2024, the program – which gives apprentices up to $10,000 in support over the duration of their apprenticeship – will be broadened to include sectors with exposure to clean energy, including designing and constructing hydroelectricity, solar and battery installations, electric vehicle maintenance and more.

It will remove the requirement that an apprentice’s work be solely dedicated to clean energy, whilst retaining a clean energy skilling purpose for the apprenticeship.

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor says the changes are in response to issues raised by industry during consultations about the practical issues facing key sectors as they transition to clean energy and adapt to new technology.

“This expanded program will increase the skilled workforce with clean energy related skills in residential energy efficiency and will help support the Albanese Government’s ambitious housing agenda,” he says.

“Electric vehicles are a rapidly increasing part of our automotive market, so we’ve made sure that apprentice mechanics learning to work on EVs can access the program as the industry changes.

“This will directly support Australia’s retail automotive sector, building on transition support including charging infrastructure investment through Driving the Nation.”

The New Energy Apprenticeships Program covers 40 different occupations, encouraging more apprentices to build skills relevant for the net-zero transition. More than 2,210 New Energy Apprentices have signed-up since the program’s launch last year.

“We must do all we can to supercharge our efforts to address climate change, as well as address the acute skills shortages we face to rewire the nation,” O’Connor adds.

“We are constantly monitoring our programs and listening to industry to understand what they need to make access to programs designed to address skills needs easier and eligibility more common-sense.

“This is a great opportunity for Australians to gain a trade whilst accessing government incentives, as well as doing something tangible for the environment by working in industries that will reduce carbon emissions.”