Vic launches major electrical apprenticeship program

Victoria’s State Electricity Commission (SEC) is seeking expressions of interest for its new apprenticeship training program.

Delivered in partnership with NECA Education & Careers and the Electrical Trades Union, the SEC Academy will initially take on 40 electrical apprentices. These apprentices are expected to start training early next year ahead of the Academy’s official launch in the first quarter of 2027.

The Victorian Government said the Academy would be Victoria’s largest electrical apprenticeship training program, supporting 2000 apprentices over four years.

“Labor brought back the SEC to build Victoria’s energy future, create secure jobs and bring power back into public hands — now we’re getting ready to open the SEC Apprenticeship Academy to train the workers to deliver it,” said Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes.

The number of electricians working in Victoria’s energy sector is projected to grow by more than 90% from 2026, reaching about 8500 workers by 2040, while the state’s energy workforce is expected to increase from 45,000 to 68,000 workers by 2040.

Across metropolitan Melbourne, the energy sector is expected to support almost 35,000 workers by 2040, while about 37% per cent of the state’s energy jobs will be in regional Victoria.

There will be strong demand for electricians, plumbers and other skilled workers needed for network upgrades, home electrification and electric vehicle infrastructure. Home battery installations will drive a significant workforce increase, tripling to around 2600 workers by 2040, while jobs supporting electric vehicle infrastructure are expected to quadruple to around 14,300 workers.

“Victoria’s renewable energy rollout is creating huge demand for electricians — this Academy will give more Victorians the skills to turn that opportunity into a career,” said NECA Education & Careers CEO Gideon Perrott.

For more information, visit: secapprenticeshipacademy.necaeducation.com.au.

Image credit: iStock.com/Chaiporn Panya. Image used for illustrative purposes only.