The State Electricity Commission (SEC) is back – and is set to attract and train a new energy workforce, as Victoria powers towards its target of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035.

Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio today visited the Glenrowan Solar Farm which, when complete, will help power government operations across the state.

The project was supported by the Labor Government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target – which, as part of the SEC’s 10-year strategic plan, will become part of the SEC as it sells power to the Victorian Government as its first customer.

The Victorian Renewable Energy Target will deliver 1.2 gigawatts of energy generation – helping to power every public hospital, school and Victorian Government operation with 100 per cent renewables by 2025.

A large and highly skilled workforce will be required to deliver and operate renewable energy projects – and the SEC will help create more than 59,000 local jobs for Victorians, including 6,000 traineeships and apprenticeships.

The SEC will build the workforce Victoria needs – partnering with industry to work with schools, TAFEs and universities to deliver a pipeline of skilled renewable energy professionals.

The SEC Centre of Training Excellence will be established to support the attraction, training and retention of this new renewable energy workforce.

Consultation with industry and Traditional Owners will soon be underway to design the new SEC Centre, which is expected to be implemented from 2025.

Later this year, the SEC will also begin to engage with students at school career nights and events to promote the growing number of renewable energy jobs and career pathways available.

The 102-megawatt (MW) Glenrowan solar farm will support 150 full-time jobs, and generate enough energy to power around 45,000 Australian homes.

For more information about the SEC and how it will support a growing renewable energy workforce, visit vic.gov.au/state-electricity-commission-victoria.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D’Ambrosio

“Our next Big Build is the renewable energy transition – and the SEC will help attract and train the renewable energy workforce Victoria needs.”

“The SEC will help create 59,000 jobs and will help deliver an unprecedented workforce of highly skilled renewable energy professionals.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney

“There are so many opportunities to come from the renewable energy transition and training providers, TAFE and the SEC Centre of Training Excellence will be critical to ensuring our future workforce has the right skills for the job.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Projects like Glenrowan Solar Farm create local jobs and will help to supply Victorian Government operations with 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025.”