Recently announced, the Australian 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.
From 1 June 2024, the program will be broadened to respond 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.
The changes will help assist more apprentices and trainees skilling-up in sectors with exposure to clean energy, including housing construction, automotive and advanced manufacturing – and remove a requirement that an apprentice’s work be solely dedicated to clean energy, whilst retaining a clean energy skilling purpose for the apprenticeship.
This includes an expansion of the types of apprenticeships that are eligible, including designing and constructing hydroelectricity, solar and battery installations, electric vehicle maintenance and more.
This expanded program will increase the skilled workforce with clean energy related skills in residential energy efficiency and will help support the Australian Government’s ambitious housing agenda.
A rapidly increasing part of our automotive market, Electric Vehicles (EVs), the expanded program will ensure 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 their ‘Driving the Nation’ initiative.
The New Energy Apprenticeships Program gives apprentices up to $10,000 in support over the duration of their apprenticeship, helping to offset cost-of-living challenges that apprentices face, especially during their first two years.
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.
Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP stated, “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.
“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.”
For more information about New Energy Apprentices visit www.apprenticeships.gov.au
Find out more about the New Energy Apprentice Support Payment.
