The Hon Brendan O'Connor MP

Minister for Skills and Training

Member for Gorton

Anne Stanley MP

Government Whip

Member for Werriwa

New Energy Apprenticeships to Power Australia's Path to Net Zero

The Australian Government’s commitment to net zero emissions has been given a significant boost with the launch of the New Energy Apprenticeships program.

An army of skilled workers, including workers in Werriwa, will be required to build and install the infrastructure needed to achieve a 43 per cent emissions reductions target by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

That’s why the Australian Government is spending $95.6 million over nine years to support 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships. The program will see eligible apprentices receive up to $10,000 over the course of their apprenticeship to assist with the cost of living.

The program, which forms part of the Powering Australia Plan will help to secure a pipeline of talent to deliver Australia’s clean energy infrastructure.

Clean energy is a critically important sector with many career opportunities across solar, wind, electric vehicles and hydrogen.

The New Energy Apprenticeships measure is just one of a suite of measures to arrest the declining apprentice completion rates we saw under the previous government.

The Albanese Labor Government’s plan will ensure that New Energy apprentices have more than just financial advice, with further tailored support including networking, and the opportunity to benefit from an industry mentor.

The announcement comes off the back of the Australian Government’s commitment to a $1 billion 12-month Skills Agreement, jointly funded by states and territories, delivering 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education places Australia-wide in 2023.

Fee-Free TAFE will increase opportunities and workforce participation of priority groups, including First Nations Australians, young people aged 17-24, people out of work or receiving income support, unpaid carers, women undertaking study in non-traditional fields, and people with disability.

For more information visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/aus-apprenticeships-incentives

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor:

“After almost a decade of missed opportunities under the Coalition, Labor is securing new energy jobs for Australians.

“The New Energy Apprenticeships Support Payment is designed to encourage apprentices to choose a career in the clean energy sector, support them through it, and help them complete their training to go on and have successful careers.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Werriwa, Ms Anne Stanley MP:

“Clean energy industries are the future for our workers and include work in solar installation, large scale renewable projects, electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and renewable manufacturing.

“I encourage anyone from Werriwa interested in working in the jobs of the future to find out more information and consider applying.

Media Contact:

Anne Stanley MP - (02) 8783 0977