Technical mentoring is funded by the Victorian Government through Solar Victoria’s Electrification Skills Program, a $5 million investment in free and subsidised training initiatives over three years.
About technical mentoring
Technical mentoring and support is subsidised by Solar Victoria for eligible participants and delivered by the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).
Technical mentoring and support is aimed at:
- increasing compliance, competence and confidence with solar and battery installations and inspections
- growing workforce capacity and skills to meet the higher consumer demand for electrical appliances driven by the government’s gas substitution reforms. These include new building electrification and minimum energy efficiency standards commencing in 2027.
Two free online webinars offering technical advice and installation guidance on specialised topics will also be delivered in 2026.
Check if you are eligible for mentoring
This mentoring is open to:
- electricians
- Licensed Electrical Inspectors.
You do not need to be an authorised installer in the Solar Homes Program to be eligible for technical mentoring.
We may also require Solar Homes Program participants to undertake technical mentoring (on a full fee-for-service basis) as part of our audit and compliance enforcement activities. We may also approve others to undertake technical mentoring.
When and how it is delivered
NECA is delivering subsidised technical mentoring and support until 31 May 2026. These will be supplemented by two free webinars.
Mentoring sessions are delivered on-site or online by arrangement across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Individual and small group sessions (with a maximum of four participants) can be arranged.
Subsidised mentoring will cover these topics:
- load management, maximum demand and energy monitoring
- switchboard upgrades and inspections for electrification
- solar and battery installations
- electric vehicle chargers
- commercial and industrial solar.
Free webinars on Wednesday 11 March and Wednesday 20 May 2026 will cover these topics:
- electric vehicle chargers
- commercial and industrial solar (see the Victorian Energy Upgrades program commercial and industrial solar panel discounts.
Cost
We are heavily subsidising technical mentoring sessions to reduce the cost for you. NECA will charge a heavily discounted fee, inclusive of our contribution toward the full cost.
Metropolitan Melbourne in-person mentoring
| Session type | Out of pocket cost |
| Individual | $200 (after our $400 contribution) |
| Group | $350 (after our $500 contribution) |
Regional Victoria in-person mentoring
| Session type | Out of pocket cost |
| Individual | $200 (after our $700 contribution) |
| Group | $400 (after our $700 contribution) |
Online technical mentoring
| Session type | Out of pocket cost |
| Individual | $75 (after our $550 contribution) |
| Group | $150 (after our $550 contribution) |
Please note: You will need to pay the full cost (with no subsidy) if our compliance team requires you to undertake technical mentoring.
Register your interest
Complete NECA’s expression of interest form to participate in this program.
For more information you can also contact NECA:
- Email: technicaltraining@neca.asn.au
- Phone: 1300 300 031
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