The Andrews Labor Government is upskilling and advancing the plumbing industry to meet Victoria’s growing demand for energy efficient technologies in their home.

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio launched a new a training program in partnership with the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) delivering specialised skills in designing and installing energy efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems.

Around 200 Victorian plumbers and fourth-year plumbing apprentices have registered for the course which will run until November 2023. This comes after a successful pilot last year.

This is part of Solar Victoria’s $11 million training and workforce development program, which is aimed at growing Victoria’s clean energy workforce and giving them the skills to take advantage of the jobs in the booming renewables sector.

The training is open to all eligible qualified plumbers and 4th year plumbing apprentices are encouraged to enrol.

The number of Victorians who claimed the $1000 rebate to replace their hot water systems with solar hot water or energy efficient heat pump systems almost quadrupled in 2022.

It’s also faster and easier to apply for a Solar Hot Water Rebate with the launch of a new streamlined digital application portal this week – improving the experience for customers and stimulate demand.

As part of the move towards cheaper and more energy efficient technology gas hot water systems are no longer funded under the program.

Hot water is the second largest consumer of household energy, switching to solar or a heat pump could save households up to $400 a year on their electricity bills.

The $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program has cut Victoria’s carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes helping us move towards electrification and meet our emissions reduction target of 75-80 per cent by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2045.

For more information on training courses visit solar.vic.gov.au/upskilling-plumbers and to apply for solar hot water rebate visit solar.vic.gov.au/solar-hot-water-rebate.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio

“Victoria’s solar and renewable energy sector needs plumbing professionals with the right skills as demand for renewable energy installations increase, as we transition to a clean energy future.’’

“Our hot water rebate is just one of the ways we are helping Victorians save money on their energy and has bills and reduce emissions.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Gayle Tierney

“We’re upskilling plumbers and fourth-year apprentices with the specialised skills they need to take advantage of this solar hot water boom.”