New Free Courses For Tradies

Victorian electricians, plumbers and other energy workers will have access to more free training under an expansion of the state’s Electrification Skills Training Program.

The Victorian Government has announced new fully funded training places for electricians to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers, with demand for charging infrastructure expected to continue growing as more EVs hit the road.

According to government forecasts, demand for EV charging infrastructure installers is expected to reach around 14,300 workers across Victoria.

The training will be delivered by Solar Victoria in partnership with TAFE Gippsland, Holmesglen Institute and the National Communications and Electrical Association (NECA).

Additional free training will also be available for electrical workers to upgrade household switchboards for home electrification projects and install reverse-cycle air conditioners.

The existing free training program for energy-efficient hot water system installation will also continue.

The expanded training forms part of the Victorian Government’s $5 million Electrification Skills Training Program, which aims to increase the number of qualified tradespeople needed to support the state’s growing electrification workforce.

More than 6,100 workers have completed training through the program to date, while around 2,100 have also participated in mentoring support.

Demand for electricians, plumbers and other energy trades is expected to remain strong through to 2040 as more homes and businesses adopt electric technologies.

The Victorian Government’s Victorian Energy Jobs Plan forecasts the state’s energy workforce will grow to around 68,000 jobs by 2040, with approximately 37 per cent of those positions expected to be based in regional Victoria.

People interested in the free training programs can find more information through Solar Victoria.