Joint media release: Encouraging more apprentices into clean energy sectors

The Hon Brendan O'Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training

The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy

The Albanese Labor 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, and supporting our goal of a Future Made in Australia.

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 – like 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.

We are also expanding 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 Albanese Government’s ambitious housing agenda.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are a rapidly increasing part of our automotive market, so we’ve made sure 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 Driving the Nation.    

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.

For more information about New Energy Apprentices, visit www.apprenticeships.gov.au

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP:

“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.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP:

“The world’s climate emergency is Australia’s jobs opportunity.

“The Albanese Government’s expanded New Energy Apprenticeships Program is helping ensure our workers can capitalise on the clean energy transformation and are skilled to take part in the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors."