Skills and training responses are vital to support the transition to the clean economy. By implementing the Clean Economy Workforce Development Strategy 2023-2033, the Victorian Government is creating opportunities to develop the skilled workforce required for clean economy-related jobs and industries.
The Latrobe Valley and Gippsland Transition Plan highlights the need for education and training pathways that lead to meaningful, local employment as the region transitions towards a net-zero economy. It also supports transitioning workers from the traditional energy and forestry sectors into new sectors like renewable energy.19
In January 2024, TAFE Gippsland, in collaboration with Federation University, Energy Australia Yallourn, and Star of the South, co-designed the Clean Economy Workforce Transition Framework for Gippsland. This framework outlines skills and training pathways and opportunities for the current traditional energy production workforce to transition into sectors like renewable energy.20
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is developing the Victorian Energy Jobs Plan (VEJP). The VEJP will support Victoria to develop the workforce required to deliver its nation-leading 95 per cent renewable electricity generation target by 2035 and to drive investment confidence to enable the energy transition. The VEJP is informed by the VSA's data and insights and outlines actions needed to develop Victoria’s energy workforce.
Victorian TAFEs lead the training of a skilled workforce to drive the clean economy transition. The Victorian TAFE Network Prospectus 2024 sets out the clean economy-related training solutions that the Victorian TAFE Network offers to industry, business, government, and the public. The Prospectus aligns with the priorities identified in the Clean Economy Workforce Development Strategy.21
A range of clean economy-related qualifications and short courses receive Victorian government funding, including the following skill sets:
- Working Safely on Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems
- Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing
- Battery Electric Vehicle Diagnose and Repair
- Grid-connected Photovoltaic Systems Designer-Installer Skill Set.
The Victorian Government has invested $9 million to boost skills in environmental sustainability across TAFEs, universities, training providers and industry. The investment will support the Victorian TAFE Network to establish three Clean Economy Skills Labs, hosted at TAFE Gippsland and Melbourne Polytechnic, to develop training in offshore wind, circular design, manufacturing and meeting net-zero emissions targets. Development of Skill Sets is also underway, with RMIT currently piloting three new short courses in sustainable building practices.
The Victorian Government has established a $50 million TAFE Clean Energy Fund which has invested $16 million in new state-of-the-art facilities at TAFE Gippsland, South West TAFE and Federation TAFE. These training centres will include specialised equipment to help learners develop the skills they need for careers in renewable energy and new construction technologies. The remaining $34 million in the TAFE Clean Energy Fund will provide further investments in specialist TAFE infrastructure to train the clean economy workforce.
Carly Brown
Victorian Training Awards 2024 Vocational Student of the Year winner
A childhood fascination with trains sparked Carly’s journey into a comprehensive vocational education and training pathway as part of her VCE. It began with a Certificate II in Engineering where she learned the fundamentals of drawing and reading engineering diagrams. Fascinated by all things mechanical, Carly went on to expand her knowledge and completed a Certificate II in Electrotechnology in 2023 hoping one day to work on infrastructure projects.
While Carly’s current focus is on certificates in plumbing and automotive, her ultimate goal is to secure an electrical apprenticeship and become an A Grade electrician.
Carly also aims to challenge gender stereotypes and promote diversity in trades. She is tireless in her role as ambassador for the Young Women in Trades & Technology group. With unwavering determination and a commitment to inclusivity, Carly seizes every opportunity to gain experience that prepares her for the workforce.
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