The Andrews Labor Government is boosting the number of women in the solar industry with new training and support measures – ensuring women are part of Victoria’s transition to a clean, cheap and reliable energy future.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio today announced subsidised apprenticeships, professional mentoring, and access to ongoing education to lift the number of women participating in the renewables industry thanks to the $11 million Growing our Clean Energy Workforce package.

Women are significantly under-represented in solar, making up less than one per cent of electricians, plumbers, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics, solar designers and installers, and licensed electrical inspectors.

The Labor Government will subsidise 50 per cent of the cost of new apprenticeships to help women enter the industry and provide apprentices a tool allowance along with six-monthly incentive payments.

Group training organisations Ai Group Apprentice Training Centre and Apprenticeships Group Australia will manage the apprenticeships.

For women working in related energy industries, free or low-cost training delivered by registered training organisations will be available to help transition to clean energy or to upskill in renewables.

The package also includes targeted support from industry group Tradeswomen Australia for women working in, entering or thinking of entering the solar industry through access to online workshops, conversational information sessions promoting a career in solar, and professional mentoring.

In addition to targeted supports to increase the participation of women, the Growing Our Clean Energy Workforce package offer programs to upskill women and men already working in clean energy, as well as targeted safety and mental health first aid training.

Since launching in 2018, the Solar Homes program has supported up to 5,500 clean energy jobs across Victoria.

The landmark program has helped more than 200,000 Victorians reduce their carbon footprint through rebates for the installation of solar panels, batteries, solar hot water, zero emissions vehicles and heating upgrades.

For further information on training and support opportunities visit: solar.vic.gov.au/training-workforce-development

Quotes attributable to Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’ve supporting and empowering women while encouraging the next generation to take advantage of the
ever-growing opportunities created by Victoria’s thriving clean energy sector.”

“Victoria is leading the nation as we transition to a renewable energy future with a cheap and reliable power supply – delivering investment and creating thousands of jobs right across the state.”