The Andrews Labor Government is rolling out free training for all Solar Homes installers, to ensure the safety of workers as jobs boom in the solar industry.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio today joined Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos at the Moorabin campus of the Holmesglen Institute of TAFE to announce a $9 million training and development package and meet with solar workers enrolled in a two-day safety course.

‘Work Safely in the Solar Industry’ is cost-free to students at Holmesglen Institute, Chisholm Institute, TAFE Gippsland and The Gordon Institute, as part of a comprehensive, subsidised training package for the solar industry.

From 1 July, all solar workers involved in installations as part of the Solar Homes program must have completed or be enrolled in the training unit. The training covers common safety hazards that can occur while working on roofs, including ways to protect against falls, and identifying and reporting asbestos.
It will be a refresher for some but for other solar workers, like trade assistants, it may be the first time they have received formal training in safety requirements.

The training and development package will also help solar businesses through the provision of a free business mentoring program, assisting them to identify new opportunities to become more efficient and grow.

The $1.3 billion Solar Homes program is supporting 770,000 households to invest in solar panels, solar hot water and solar batteries, while creating 5,500 new jobs and slashing carbon emissions.

The Labor Government is also rebuilding TAFE, making courses free and ensuring Victorians are skilled for the jobs that are most available, including in Victoria’s renewable energy sector.

For more information about the Work Safely in the Solar Industry VU22744 training unit, visit solar.vic.gov.au/training.

For more information on the business mentoring program, visit solar.vic.gov.au/mentoring.

Quote attributable to Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio

“There has never been so many jobs in our solar industry. We’re making sure everyone who benefits from this jobs boom has the training to work safely.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

“Solar Homes is creating thousands of new jobs – that’s why it’s essential solar workers are equipped with the skills they need to stay safe while they are installing solar panels, batteries and hot water systems.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos

“Our solar workers are at the forefront of delivering cleaner, cheaper energy for Victorians and we’re making sure they have all the support they need to get the job done.”