Quality vocational training of installers and designers is essential for Australia's rooftop solar industry. The Clean Energy Council has helped develop the first comprehensive update to training units in over ten years.
As our Skilling the Energy Transition report shows, Australia faces significant skills shortages in a crucial decade for the clean energy transition.
In recognition of this, the CEC undertook a major review of vocational training for small-scale renewables. We recommended significant changes to raise standards, address job shortages and better equip the industry for modern energy demands. Those recommendations were accepted by the Australian Industry Skills Commission (AISC) and will represent the biggest upgrade to training in over 10 years.
Read below to understand how the changes will benefit industry and consumers. Installers, retailers and training organisations can find more details on the changes here.
New training units create opportunities for sales and support staff at rooftop solar and storage companies to undertake training to improve customer service and consumer outcomes.
The updated training units create a pathway for non-electricians to become recognised designers of small-scale renewable systems, easing current demands on electricians to fulfill this role.
Installers and designers will be able to demonstrate to employers and consumers that they are professionally qualified to deliver these services, raising standards and consumer confidence.
Updated units will separate grid-connected, off-grid and microgrid making it simpler for electricians and designers to focus on different services.
New units focussed on fault finding, repair and maintenance will help reduce waste and extend lifetime value for consumers.