The Albanese Labor Government is expanding the New Energy Apprenticeships Program which provides incentives to encourage more people into sectors that are playing a critical role in transitioning Australia to a net zero economy, and supporting a Future Made in Australia.
The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System Program Guidelines are being updated to broaden the eligibility for the New Energy Apprenticeships Program (NEAP)and will take affect from 1 June 2024.
The changes provide more opportunities for apprentices and trainees to gain meaningful experience and exposure in the clean energy sector.
“…traditional skills will have to be in our labour market indefinitely… and to that extent we’ve broadened out eligibility to include those apprentices that will be undertaking both new work and traditional work in the energy sector”
-Minister for Skills and Training, the Brendan O’Connor
The New Energy Apprenticeships Program gives apprentices of 40 different occupations – including electricians, linesworkers, fitters, cablers, and more – up to $10,000 in support over the duration of their apprenticeship, paid in five $2,000 instalments.
More than 2,210 New Energy Apprentices have signed-up since the program’s launch last year. In simple terms, the expanded eligibity criteria means it’ll will be easier for more apprentices to get the NEAP payments.
In March 2023 the ETU brought a delegation of ETU apprentices to Canberra to lobbying the Government for more targeted investment in apprenticeships. In the 2024 the Government is removing the requirement that an apprentice’s work be solely dedicated to clean energy, whilst retaining a clean energy skilling purpose for the apprenticeship.
“…the Albanese Government’s expanded New Energy Apprenticeships Program is helping ensure our workers can capitalise on the clean energy transformation and are skilled to take part in the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors.”
-Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen
The Federal Government is also expanding the types of apprenticeships that are eligible, including designing and constructing hydroelectricity, solar and battery installations, electric vehicle maintenance and more. This expanded program will increase the skilled workforce with clean energy related skills in residential energy efficiency and will help support the government’s ambitious housing agenda.