Electrical workers upskilled for bright future

The Andrews Labor government is upskilling Victoria’s electrical workers, with the aim of improving community safety and equipping the workforce to be part of the state’s growing renewable and new energy sectors.

The Labor government will invest $7.2 million into Victoria’s first continuing professional development (CPD) program for electrical workers across the state. The support ensures more than 7500 electrical workers will be able to complete the course before the end of next year.

“This is a great example of how our TAFE and training sector is providing opportunities for workers to retrain and upskill — while also preparing us for the workforce we need for our clean, green future,” said Minister for Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney.

Workers in the electrotechnology, renewable and new energy sectors are required to undertake CPD every five years. The program includes the eight-hour Skills Maintenance course, with additional skills development courses available next year. Skills Maintenance covers safe isolation, mandatory testing, industry changes and the responsibilities of licensed workers — with training available at a range of metro and regional locations by carefully selected professional trainers.

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) has developed the program alongside Future Energy Skills with coursework approved by a committee including members from ESV, the Electrical Trades Union, the National Electrical and Communications Association and the Institute of Electrical Inspectors.

Energy Safe Victoria CEO Leanne Hughson said, “While electrical apprenticeships are important, we need to make sure that electrical workers continue to learn and build their respective skillsets as their careers continue to progress.”

The announcement follows a successful CPD pilot run earlier this year involving 66 electricians across regional and metro areas.

Further information is available on the ESV website at esv.vic.gov.au.

Image credit: iStock.com/tzahiV