Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is ensuring the state’s electrical workers enhance their skillsets in line with industry changes through a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.

With skills and training central to this week’s Canberra Jobs Summit, the innovative CPD program, which started last month, will preserve high levels of professionalism by increasing competence, reducing complacency and keeping knowledge current as the industry transitions to renewables.

The program was developed by ESV in partnership with industry employer and employee representatives, including Electrical Trades Union, the National Electrical and Communications Association, the Institute of Electrical Inspectors and experts in adult education.

More than 100 electrical workers from the electrotechnology, renewable and new energy sectors have so far completed the program as a requirement of their electrical licence renewal, with all licensed electrical workers to complete the program over the next five years.

The eight-hour Skills Maintenance course will also be free thanks to $7.2 million in funding from the Victorian Government over the next five years. Skills Maintenance provides training on safe isolation, mandatory testing, industry changes, and the responsibilities of licensed workers.

The training is available at metro and regional locations and is run by carefully selected training providers. A Skills Development course framework will also be available from mid-2023, contributing to better-trained electrical workers and enhancing skills.