Free skills training a boost for Victoria’s renewable energy future

The Electrification Skills Program in 2026–27 is the latest release of the Victorian Government’s $5 million investment over three years in training and workforce development to help Victorians lower their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Guided by the Victorian Energy Jobs Plan, it aims to boost in-demand skills needed to build a skilled workforce and manage the growing demand for increasingly electric homes and businesses.

The Electrification Skills Program supports Victoria’s gas substitution reforms, helps meet consumer demand for energy efficient appliances and homes, and prepare for new building electrification and minimum efficiency standards that come into effect from 1 January 2027 for new homes and 1 March 2027 for existing homes.

Delivered through Solar Victoria, new initiatives include fully funded places to complete EV charger installation training with TAFE Gippsland, Holmesglen and the NECA Education and Careers – with roles supporting EV charging infrastructure expected to quadruple to 14,300 workers across the state.

Training for electrical workers on upgrading switchboards for home electrification and installing reverse cycle air conditioners will also be available. Victorian businesses will also benefit with new technical support for industry on the design and installation of larger scale commercial and industrial solar PV.

To help meet consumer demand for energy efficient hot water, the Victorian Government will continue to fund training to design and install heat pump hot water systems, which make up over 99% of systems installed with a Solar Homes Program hot water rebate since 2023.

The Electrification Skills Program announced in June 2025 builds on training that ran from March 2019 to June 2025. More than 6,100 workers in renewable energy and electric appliance installation undertook training and around 2,100 participated in mentoring support.

Through to 2040, demand is expected to remain strong for occupations such as electricians and plumbers. New and continuing training benefit industry and consumers more broadly, with all training open to eligible workers free of charge outside of the Solar Homes and Victorian Energy Upgrades programs.

To upskill for free and help Victorians save, go to solar.vic.gov.au/training-workforce-development.

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

“The renewable energy transition is creating thousands of new opportunities, and we’re making sure Victorians have the skills they need to take part in the transition.”

“This suite of fully funded training will help Victorian households and businesses get off gas and save on their energy bills, while helping to ensure their systems are installed safely and to industry standards.”

“This is the Victorian Energy Jobs Plan in action, boosting in-demand skills to support the workforce needed for Victoria’s renewable energy future.”