Solar Victoria has expanded free training for electricians with the latest round of the Upskilling for Electricians program.

Commencing in May 2024, the Upskilling for Electricians program will provide up to 400 electricians and fourth-year apprentices with fully subsidised training to become accredited designers and installers of PV and battery storage systems, ensuring a highly skilled and quality-committed industry to meet growing consumer demand.

“Solar Victoria is committed to training our electrical workforce with the specialised skills they need to play an important role in Victoria’s growing renewable energy sector. This is an excellent opportunity for electricians and apprentices to upskill for free and I encourage all who are eligible to enrol early because places are limited,” Solar Victoria chief executive Stan Krpan says.

“We are especially keen for women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are significantly under-represented in the solar industry to undertake this training.”

Since the Upskilling for Electricians program commenced in March 2022, 767 electricians have completed the training free of charge.

The training will be offered throughout Victoria in a blended format, involving e-learning and face-to-face, depending on the training provider, with eligible electricians and apprentices can able to complete training in metropolitan Melbourne either with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Holmesglen Institute of TAFE or through the Solar Training Centre.

This can be completed in regional locations at TAFE Gippsland, South West TAFE or Wodonga Institute of TAFE.

After finishing the training, electricians can complete the requirements to become an accredited installer, joining over 1,000 installers participating in the Solar Homes program.

More information can be found on the Solar Victoria website.