New Energy Apprenticeships in High Demand

The Australian Government has announced the New Energy Apprenticeships program, part of the Powering Australia Plan to achieve a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

$95.6 million will be invested over the next 9 years to support up to 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships. Eligible apprentices will receive up to $10,000 over the course of their apprenticeship to assist with the cost of living. The program is designed to help secure a pipeline of talent to deliver Australia's clean energy infrastructure.

The New Energy Apprenticeships program will encourage apprentices to train in the new energy jobs of the future, such as rooftop solar installation and maintenance, large-scale renewable projects, energy efficiency upgrades to homes and businesses, renewable manufacturing, and relevant agricultural activities.

The program will cut across multiple skill sets, as the opportunities presented by the new energy economy are economy-wide. The Federal Government will also invest $10 million in a New Energy Skills Program to tailor skills training to the specific needs of new energy industries.

With the need for a skilled workforce to build, retrofit, and maintain infrastructure related to the creation of new sources of clean energy, clean energy apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to develop trade specialisations that will be in high demand in the future.

The National Skills Commission's Skills Priority List identifies several occupations in shortage in the clean energy space, such as metal fitters and machinists, structural steel and welding trades workers, electricians, motor mechanics, automotive electricians, mechanical engineering draftspersons and technicians, and sheetmetal trades workers.

There is a growing demand for skilled workers from clean energy providers such as wind farms, solar, and hydroelectricity, and from industries that rely on traditional energy sources (fossil fuels) that are transitioning to cleaner, greener sources of energy.

Another major growth area for jobs is in the maintenance of electric vehicles. This requires a combination of automotive electrical skills together with Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) knowledge.

Australian demand for electric vehicles soared in 2023 which now make up almost 7% of the new car market – that’s approaching 80,000 electric vehicles on Australian roads. It’s expected that automotive electrical apprentices with the skills to service and maintain hybrid/electric vehicles will be in very high demand.

• 3 million homes across the country have rooftop solar
• Nearly 30% of Australian energy is already renewable, well on its way to 50%
• There were 18,000 jobs in rooftop solar in 2020
• There’s over 20 new wind farms being built right now, supporting 8000 jobs
• Renewable energy has almost tripled in the last decade
• There’s over 30,000 jobs in renewables, and growing every day

Source: Clean Energy Council

There are many benefits to pursuing a career in clean energy apprenticeships. These include: 

Job security: As the world moves towards cleaner sources of energy, the demand for skilled workers in clean energy sectors will only increase.

Earning capacity: Clean energy jobs often pay well and offer opportunities for advancement.

Trade specialisation: Clean energy apprenticeships allow individuals to develop trade specialisations that are likely to be in high demand in the future.

Financial Assistance: To support the growth of the clean energy apprenticeship sector, the Federal government’s New Energy Apprenticeships Program offers increased financial assistance and incentives to enter these trades, making it easier for people to pursue a career in clean energy through an apprenticeship.

For apprentices: MIGAS can assist you in commencing a clean energy apprenticeship with the right host organisation and training plan. View our Jobs Board for current vacancies across a range of trade specialisations.

For employers: MIGAS can assist clean energy operators, and those transitioning to new energy operations, to source, onboard and manage clean energy apprenticeships.

Enquire now to discuss your business needs to learn more about our services.