Training for the clean economy 2024 (sector view)

From January 2024, new homes in Victoria requiring planning permits must connect to electric networks.

Skills and occupations required

There is an increasing need for 2 categories of skills and occupations for this transition:

1. Specialised technical roles: There is a growing demand for professionals skilled in renewable energy technologies. This includes electricians, energy assessors, solar panel technicians, grid technicians and various engineers

2. Enhanced digital and data literacy: Existing trades such as plumbers, electricians and energy assessors must acquire digital and data literacy skills to use advanced software and technologies.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate II in Electrotechnology
• Certificate III in Electrotechnology 
• Grid Connected PV Design Accreditation Skill Set
• Solar Grid Connect – Design and Install
• Certificate IV in Building and Construction

The Victorian government increased the energy efficiency building standards for new homes from 6 to 7 stars in 2022. This change requires new homes to be built and designed with improved insulation and window glazing, and use fixed appliances that are energy efficient.

Skills and occupations required

New skills are required to design buildings to optimise energy efficiency and enable renewable energy usage. Designing energy-efficient buildings and installing and maintaining renewable systems like solar panels are essential skills for the evolving energy sector

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate IV in Building and Construction 
• Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
• Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Solar Grid Connect – Design and Install

As the transition to all-electrified buildings progress, retrofits of buildings for energy efficiency requires technical skills to decommission old systems and replace them with energy efficient system and devices.

Skills and occupations required

As the state transitions away from fossil fuel-based systems and appliances, retrofit technicians, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals specialised in energy efficient systems are in demand. The required skills encompass both the technical expertise needed to dismantle outdated systems and capability to intergrade smart devices.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Electricians 
• Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical
• Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 

Designing and constructing new buildings following sustainable practices is crucial to reducing emissions and waste from commercial and residential buildings.

Skills and occupations required

New skills and knowledge will be necessary to facilitate sustainable design and construction of buildings. Architects, construction managers and workers need to know sustainable practices and building techniques, sustainable materials, installation of renewable energy infrastructure and waste management.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
• Certificate II in Civil Construction
• Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Safe, efficient and sustainable construction and operation of ports are key to Victoria’s economic growth. There is a transition to using cleaner energy sources like hydrogen to power port operations.

Skills and occupations required

With ports increasingly adopting alternative fuels such as LNG and hydrogen, renewable energy experts, various engineers, including marine engineers, supply chain and project managers, plumbers and gas fitters are required to install and maintain the necessary infrastructure.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate IV in Building and Construction
• Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (Apprenticeship) – Renewable Energy

The Victorian government has ambitious targets for zero-emission public and private transport vehicles. Upskilling the associated workforce is crucial to expanding, modernising, and electrifying the transport system in Victoria.

Skills and occupations required

Managing the infrastructure and operating, maintaining, and repairing electric vehicles necessitate new skill sets. In addition, expertise in the effective use and management of data is essential for facilitating the sector's transition.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Depower and Reinitialise Battery Electric Vehicles
• Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Course
• Course development in using hydrogen fuel-cells in heavy vehicle operations

Reducing and managing emissions from cities can significantly contribute to Victoria's progress in emission reduction.

Skills and occupations required

Urban design and planning, environmental scientists, transportation planners and energy efficiency experts.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificates and Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
• Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Climate change has increased the severity, frequency, and duration of extreme weather events, including bushfires, heatwaves, hurricanes, and floods.

Skills and occupations required

As first responders, paramedics, police, and firefighters will be on the front line responding to severe weather events, they require relevant safety training to handle emergencies effectively. Digital and data literacy skills are also needed to effectively learn and use new technologies to support crisis mitigation and management.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) – Conduct, interpret, and Apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment
• Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying
• Forest and Fire Operations Officer Traineeship Program

The implementation of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, along with the introduction of new clean technologies like zero emission vehicles and high voltage batteries, introduces specific safety challenges and concerns.

Skills and occupations required

First responders like paramedics, police, and firefighters require training on relevant safety protocols when dealing with renewable energy incidents, EV accidents, and high voltage battery system hazards. For example, high voltage electrical wires and batteries can cause electric shocks and may involve spillages of hazardous chemicals, while high voltage batteries can also cause fires and release hazardous fumes.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Raising Awareness of EV Risks and Basic Safety Protocols

In Victoria, the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in homes and businesses is rapidly increasing. The development of large scale solar energy facilities across the state complements this surge in solar energy adoption. Integrating individual installations and large-scale farms marks a significant step towards Victoria’s sustainable and renewable energy future.

Skills and occupations required

The solar energy sector demands a comprehensive skill set encompassing various engineering disciplines (electrical, mechanical, civil, renewable energy and grid connection), technical trades (electricians and plumbers), project management, software development and operational roles.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry
• Solar Grids Connect – Design and Install
• Grid Connected PV Solar Systems

In 2022-23, Victoria’s wind farms produced about 20% of the state’s electricity, with further expansion underway by constructing additional onshore wind farms. Victoria has ambitious targets for offshore wind generation, aiming to reach at least 2 GW by 2032, 4 GW by 2035 and 9 GW by 2040, indicating a strong commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure and job creation in the sector.

Skills and occupations required

A wide range of occupations, such as wind turbine technicians, blade repair technicians, engineers, electrical technicians, marine coordinators, construction managers, installation technicians, project managers, and site admins, are required to develop, construct, and operate wind farms.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Global Wind Organisations Standards
• Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (Apprenticeship) – Renewable Energy

Victoria is progressing towards its 2030 and 2035 energy storage targets of 2.6 and 6.3 GW respectively, with initiatives across different levels. The state is implementing large-scale projects like the Victoria Big Battery, Australia’s largest lithium-ion battery. Community level efforts include neighbourhood batteries for storing excess solar energy, while an increasing number of households are installing solar batteries, all contributing to the state’s energy storage goals.

Skills and occupations required

Battery design specialists, battery installation specialists, control room operators, engineers, grid connection engineers, operation and maintenance managers, and renewable energy engineers are required to support battery and energy storage projects.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Grid Connected PV with Battery Storage
• Solar Battery Storage Installation

The Victorian Government is incorporating waste-to-energy projects into its 10 year circular economy policy. This initiative transforms waste, which would typically end up in landfills, into energy sources like electricity, heat, gas, or liquid fuel. Through the Waste-to-Energy Bioenergy Fund, over $8 million is allocated to assist the farming, food, and other industries in converting organic waste into energy.

Skills and occupations required

Occupations such as agriculture scientists, agriculture workers, transport workers, and biomass production managers are required to support waste-to-energy projects.

Speak to your local TAFE to identify qualifications that could meet your needs.

In Victoria, group energy initiatives, especially PV systems, empower local communities. These projects promote sustainability and lower energy costs. Victoria fosters a more inclusive and eco-friendly energy model by involving communities in renewable energy generation.

Skills and occupations required

Engineers, electricians and solar system technicians.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry
• Grid Connected PV Solar Systems
• Grid connected PV with Battery Storage
• Grid Connected PV design accreditation Skill Set

Whilst Victoria has sufficient energy generation capacity to meet its electricity demand, the energy supply can become strained during peak usage. Demand management strategies and tools can be implemented to manage this problem.

Skills and occupations required

Skills and occupations required to manage energy demand include energy assessors, electricians, electrical engineers, HVAC technicians, renewable energy specialists, and engineers as well as software developers and IT specialists.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Electrician
• Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (Apprenticeship) – Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources are dispersed across the state, requiring transmission lines and grids to be updated. Current projects focus on expanding the capacity of existing lines for increased renewable energy, constructing new high-voltage transmission lines for efficient electricity transport, developing interconnectors to enhance Victoria’s connectivity with the National Electricity Market, and building extra infrastructure for grid stability and fault prevention.

Skills and occupations required

Variety of skills and occupations such as electrical and civil engineers, power system operators and technicians, renewable energy specialists, project managers, and electricians are required to support the update of transmission lines and the grid.

TAFE network support

• Certificate II in Transmission Line Construction
• Certificate III in ESI – Distribution Overhead
• Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Underground
• Certificate III in ESI – Transmission Overhead
• Certificate IV in ESI – Network Systems.

Microgrids generate and store electricity locally, support communities and households with power during high-impact and extreme weather events.

Skills and occupations required

Supporting microgrid installation requires diverse skills and occupations, including electrical and renewable energy engineers, electricians, and installers.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical
• Certificate II in Electrotechnology
• Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (Apprenticeship) – Renewable Energy

Victoria aims to cut food waste in half by 2030. Food waste solutions have been pursued in the following areas:

• Products, processing, and packaging
• Efficient business operations and supply chain
• Education and behaviour change
• Food rescue, recovery and donation

Skills and occupations

Coordinating logistics and improving efficiency, along with an understanding of food restoration and rescue are in high demand among logistics personnel and transport workers.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Diploma of Food Science and Technology
• Certificates and Diploma in Horticulture

The Victorian agricultural sector is working to use supplements that decrease enteric methane by up to 90% in 40% of the national herd and flock, and in 75% of feedlots by 2030.

Skills and occupations

Farmers and agriculture workers must acquire new skills in understanding the role of methane in climate change, as well as animal nutrition and manure management, to understand how to improve livestock digestion efficiency and help minimise methane emissions.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificates and Diploma in Agriculture
• Certificate IV in Agriculture - Regenerative Agriculture

Victoria's diverse agricultural landscape results in variable crop productivity. Farmers are using precision technologies such as GIS systems, soil monitors and drones to gather real time data on crop, soil and environmental conditions.

Skills and occupations

Farmers and technicians require skills in using, maintaining and repairing precision agriculture technology as well as cybersecurity skills to manage risk of cyber attacks. Additional skills to support the industry such as software development, data engineering and science skills to integrate and represent data from diverse sources will be essential.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Bachelor of Agriculture and Technology
• Diploma of Agronomy
• Certificates and Diploma in Agriculture

The Victorian fishing and aquaculture industry have a vision to create productive aquaculture farms using sustainable practices. These practices involve protecting vulnerable species and ecosystems, and implementing quotas, catch limits and seasonal closures to protect fish during spawning seasons and critical life periods.

Skills and occupations

Fisheries officers, aquaculture farmers and workers require in demand skills in marine environment maintenance, fish stock management, and water quality. These skills are crucial for protecting habitats, preserving food sources for fish, and ensuring the overall health of fish populations.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificates and Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

By 2050, the Victorian Government aims to contribute approximately $11 billion annually to the national economy through its ‘Renewable Hydrogen Industry Development Plan,’ which outlines support for the sector’s growth.

Skills and occupations

To drive sector growth, workers including gas fitters, plumbers, drivers and builders require specialised knowledge on hydrogen production, transportation, storage and technology. The flammability of hydrogen requires workers to possess a strong understanding of safety protocols, risk assessment and emergency responses. With the large number of hydrogen-related projects currently being undertaken, there is also a growing demand for additional researchers.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (Apprenticeship) – Renewable Energy
• Certificate II in Sustainable Energy

The growing production and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) requires development of infrastructure to enable their recharging.

Skills and occupations

There is a high demand for new, specialised engineering skills in designing, assembling, testing, modifying and evaluating hydrogen technology (e.g. fuel cells). Mechanics specialising in diagnosing, maintaining and repairing hydrogen refuelling stations and vehicles will be increasingly in demand. The highly flammable nature of hydrogen will also require specialised safety training for all workers in the sector.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Heavy Vehicle Operations Course
• Programs to support the introduction of hydrogen fuel lifecycle for heavy vehicles in the Hume Hydrogen Highway (HHH) project.

The number of bushfires in Victoria is increasing in frequency and intensity. Proper bushfire management activities must occur to reduce the likelihood and intensity of bushfires.

Skills and occupations required

Bushfire management requires a blend of fire science and environmental management skills, emergency response, land and vegetation management, and skills to evaluate bushfire risks for buildings.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
• Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying (both Diploma courses [Building Desing & Building Surveying] offer Conduct, Interpret and Apply a Bushfire Attack Level [BAL] assessment)
• Emergency services training, specifically 4WD training for bushfire and flooding emergencies

While coastal regions and wetlands act as natural carbon sinks and deliver additional ecosystem services (e.g. enhancing biodiversity and supporting fisheries) they are experiencing significant damage due to the impacts of climate change.

Skills and occupations required

To successfully manage and mitigate climate change impacts on the coastal and wetlands, skills and occupations such as environmental science and ecology, marine biology, environmental engineering and conservation management are required.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificates and Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
• Certificate IV in Agriculture
• Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

Eco-tourism is becoming increasingly important to minimise damage to the environment and to engage people in positive protective actions.

Skills and occupations required

Tour guides, activity instructors and conservationists must have the appropriate skills and knowledge to promote sustainable tourist activities.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Diploma of Outdoor Leadership with Certificate III in Tourism
• Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management

The need to preserve nature parks is becoming a greater focus in response to changing temperatures and weather patterns caused by climate change.

Skills and occupations required

Occupations such as environmental officers, conservation specialists and park rangers must have relevant knowledge and expertise to monitor, identify and develop mitigation strategies to combat climate change impacts and conserve nature parks.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate III in Parks and Gardens
• Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Green manufacturing in the fields of aluminum, steel and concrete is undergoing a revolution driven by the integration of renewable energy sources and cutting-edge innovations. The concrete industry is innovating with eco-concrete, using waste and sustainable materials to lower carbon emissions and increase durability, offering both environmental benefits and potential cost savings.

Skills and occupations required

These manufacturing developments require skills and occupations such as engineering, electricians, research and development expertise, and operational roles.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate II in Engineering – Production Technology

The rise of EVs gives Australia a chance to revive the automotive industry and creates significant job opportunities. Industry is already investing in expanding facilities to support the design and production of EV components, with EV buses already under construction within Victoria.

Skills and occupations required

Automotive engineers, electrical and mechanical engineers, manufacturing and production workers, and project and supply chain managers.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade

The manufacturing of batteries and fuel cells is set to grow in Victoria, supporting the development of batteries for EVs, stationary energy storage solutions and fuel cells for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Skills and occupations required

Engineering skills in chemical, mechanical and electrical disciplines are essential, along with expertise in manufacturing technologies.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Engineering Fabrication Trade
• Certificate II in Engineering – Production Technology

Victoria has an opportunity to support growth in the manufacturing and assembly of solar and wind components. While currently there is room for development in this area, the potential for expanding expertise and capability is significant.

Skills and occupations required

Engineering skills in mechanical, electrical and renewable energy disciplines are essential, along with expertise in manufacturing and fabrication.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Engineering Fabrication Trade
• Certificate II in Engineering – Production Technology

The development of ZEV charging stations in Victoria has been a key focus of the state’s efforts to promote EV adoption. Government incentives and partnerships with private sector stakeholders have played a crucial role in accelerating the growth of ZEV charging infrastructure.

Skills and occupations required

Electrical engineering skills for designing EV charging stations, and electricians for handling the wiring, connections and charging equipment placement during installation and maintenance.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
• Depower and Reinitialise Battery EVs Short Course
• EV Charging Infrastructure up to 22kW Short Course

The Victorian Government launched the ZEV subsidy program to drive the shift towards EVs and achieve the target of 50% ZEVs in light vehicle sales by 2030. With rising ZEV adoption, there's a growing demand for specialised maintenance and repair services to cater to these vehicles’ unique components.

Skills and occupations required

Technicians and mechanics with specialised safety knowledge for high-voltage systems, technical maintenance and repair skills for diagnosing and repairing EV charging infrastructure and EV battery faults, programming and software development skills to diagnose software issues and manage software updates during maintenance, and data analytics skills to identify vehicle performance patterns and trends for repair and maintenance.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Inspect and Maintain EVs Short Course
• EV Skill Set Short Course
• Hybrid and EV Short Course
• Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
• Electrical Motor Rewinding and Repair Course

To address significant emissions from transport, the Victorian Government is transitioning nearly 4,500 diesel buses to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The government has also pledged that from 2025, all new public transport buses will be electric.

Skills and occupations required

Technicians and mechanics to diagnose and repair issues relating to ZEV buses, including electrical battery faults. The transition from gas-powered vehicles to ZEVs also necessitates bus drivers to be proficient in safe EV driving and charging procedures, along with knowledge of emergency protocols.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

Courses for technical and non-technical staff are being delivered in partnership with the AMWU and major bus companies to support workers in the transition to ZEVs.

As public transport usage is anticipated to increase to 38 million trips by 2050 (from the current 23 million trips), there will be a growing demand for bus, train and tram drivers. A larger number of operations and maintenance staff will also be required, with the total workforce gap expected to rise to 2,800 persons by FY27, or approximately 20% of the available workforce.

Skills and occupations required

New skills for bus drivers in driving, charging and safely handling these vehicles, including how to safely respond to ZEV emergencies and accidents, will be essential. To support the growth of public transport usage, there is a need for not only more train, tram and bus drivers but also additional logistical and operational staff, such as controllers and track workers.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate III in ESI – Rail traction
• Certificate III in Light Rail Driving
• Certificate II in Rail Customer Service

Proper collection and sorting facilities and technologies are essential to manage clothing and textile waste. These facilities play a key role in separating the material that can be recycled, upcycled or disposed of, and help reduce landfill waste while providing valuable resources for creating new products.

Skills and occupations required

Workers involved in collecting and sorting clothing and textiles need a combination of abilities and knowledge, such as expertise in material identification, proficiency in sorting techniques, and skills in quality evaluation.

Speak to your local TAFE to identify qualifications that could meet your needs.

To promote sustainability in fashion, damaged or unwanted clothes can be repaired for resale or donated to charities. The growing focus from customers and industry on repair and resale highlights the need to design clothes with durability and repairability in mind.

Skills and occupations required

A diverse array of skills and knowledge is essential, including expertise in sustainable design, familiarity with eco-friendly materials, proficiency in designing for circularity, merchandising acumen, and an understanding of the social and environmental impacts associated with the fashion industry.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising
• Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising
• Bachelor of Fashion Design

When materials are sent to landfill, their value is lost to the economy. Recycling materials keeps their value in the economy, prevents the need for new or expanded landfills and creates jobs. Greater separation of recyclable materials and investment in the right infrastructure will produce higher-quality recycled materials with stronger market demand.

Skills and occupations required

Workers in the sector require knowledge of waste reduction, waste management and recycling technologies. Most workers in the recycling sector, including drivers and plant operators, must have digital and data literacy skills to effectively use digital technologies, such as waste management tracking tools.

Courses available through the TAFE Network

• Certificate IV of Building and Construction – Minimise waste on the building and construction site
• Diploma of Engineering Technical – Apply basic just in time systems to the reduction of waste

Climate events, such as droughts, heatwaves, floods, intense rainfall, sea-level rises, and changes in temperature, have affected Victoria's sewage systems. To address these changes, sewage plants need to upgrade infrastructure to manage increased water volumes, improve flood defences, and enhance treatment processes to manage changing water quality. Treatment plants are also useful for the recovery of biogas and solids. With these sources of energy becoming more integrated into Victoria's energy mix, efforts may increase to ramp up the capacity for biogas recovery.

Skills and occupations required

Knowledge of nitrogen and biogas/biosolid capture is required by engineers to enable recovery of biogas from wastewater. Inspectors and sewer maintenance personnel require skills in assessing sewage plants and water quality.

Speak to your local TAFE to identify qualifications that could meet your needs.