The Victoria government is prioritising the resurgence of the State Electricity Commission (SEC) to ensure increased access to affordable renewable energy. They are also dedicated to fostering future-oriented skilled employment opportunities.
Victoria is leading the way in achieving a remarkable goal of 95% renewable electricity production by 2035, which is expected to create 59,000 job opportunities. To equip the workforce with the necessary skills and training to meet these demands, the Victorian Budget for 2023/24 is actively providing pathways and education.
To establish a continuous supply of skilled labour for the SEC, the government has allocated AU$ 5 million to develop the SEC Centre of Training Excellence. This initiative involves coordinating and accrediting apprenticeship courses in collaboration with TAFEs, RTOs, training organisations, workers, and industry stakeholders.
In line with the aim of securing future job prospects, the budget invests AU$ 7.5 million to create VET pathways for students. This includes incorporating renewable energy pathways into the government’s core offerings of VET programs in schools. By integrating renewable energy education into the curriculum, students will be well-prepared for the evolving job market.
The government is fulfilling its commitment to establishing new Tech Schools by allocating AU$ 116 million. These schools, located in areas such as Brimbank, Dandenong, Frankston, Hume, Wangaratta and Warrnambool, provide students with enhanced technical education opportunities and foster innovation by collaborating with nearby secondary schools and industry partners. Tech Schools focus on fields such as renewable energy, robotics, and advanced manufacturing to equip students with practical, career-focused STEM education.
As part of the investment in Tech Schools, a portion of AU$ 10 million is allocated to the Clean Energy Equipment Fund. This fund supports the provision of state-of-the-art learning labs with cutting-edge renewable energy technologies for both new and existing Tech Schools. Students will gain hands-on experience and knowledge in advanced battery technology, hydrogen generation, and robotics, fostering their understanding of renewable energy innovations.
To enhance students’ exposure to future opportunities, the government has allocated AU$ 19.1 million for work experience in high-demand industries, including renewable energy. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing practical experiences and insights into potential career paths.
An additional AU$ 7 million is invested in renewable energy VET certificates and qualifications, enabling world-class training and career pathways for Victorians. Furthermore, an AU$10 million Hydrogen Energy Worker Training Centre will train and upskill workers in the hydrogen sector.
Victoria will be home to Australia’s first offshore wind farms. To ensure workers possess the necessary skills for both offshore and onshore wind jobs, an AU$ 6 million investment has been made in the Wind Worker Training Centre. This funding will develop training programs to equip workers with the required expertise in the wind energy sector.
The government is establishing an AU$ 50 million TAFE Clean Energy Fund to train workers for the revived SEC. This includes AU$ 6 million for the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre, AU$ 5 million for a Clean Energy Centre in Morwell, and AU$ 5 million for a Building Innovation and Design Centre in Warrnambool. Additionally, an AU$1 billion investment will support the implementation of 4.5 gigawatts of new renewable energy projects, equivalent to replacing the Loy Yang A coal-fired power station.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to revitalising the SEC, promoting renewable energy, and supporting the workforce with the necessary skills and training. This includes investing in education, establishing Tech Schools, providing work experience, supporting renewable energy VET certificates, and creating training centres for wind and hydrogen sectors.
Victoria’s Premier emphasised the revival of the SEC and its significance for households, as well as the creation of future job opportunities. The government’s investments are specifically geared towards providing young Victorians with enhanced educational opportunities in high-tech fields. These initiatives aim to equip students with valuable STEM skills and prepare them for successful careers in technology-related industries.
