Training investment makes solar even safer

An $11 million Victorian Government investment in training is helping make the solar revolution a safe one.

Published:
Monday, 21 June 2021 at 11:37 pm
Training investement

Solar Victoria has partnered with the Department of Education and Training, with support from WorkSafe and Energy Safe Victoria, to deliver solar-specific training that ensures all industry workers have the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs safely and to a high-standard.

As part of this comprehensive training package, Solar Victoria is also funding development of high-quality, industry-validated learning and assessment resources to encourage more qualified electricians to become Licensed Electrical Inspectors, and to build skills and capability for solar and new energy technologies for existing inspectors. This initiative supports more jobs in a growing industry and continues to improve standards.

The customised training resources will develop, upskill and support the Licenced Electrical Inspector industry and benefit retailers, installers and customers by reducing inspection wait times and increasing the quality of safety inspections.

Solar Victoria is also working with industry to explore other opportunities to encourage more electricians to qualify as Licensed Electrical Inspectors.

Solar Victoria makes no apology for maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality across the Solar Homes Program, which is why specific solar training is mandated for all installers.

More than 2,000 workers have already undertaken mandatory training. All solar workers in the state will need to complete the training by 1 July to provide services under the Solar Homes Program.

A series of deeper programs are also available for those wanting to progress their training even further.

Thirteen Registered Training Organisations across the state are delivering the training, which is recognised by industry as eligible for continuous professional development.

Since its launch in 2018, the Solar Homes Program has provided more than $270 million in rebates to help Victorian households install solar systems, making solar accessible, driving down energy prices and helping to tackle climate change.

More information including eligibility criteria and authorised retailers can be found at solar.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan

“Our training programs are developed in partnership with industry and peak bodies, and aim to build skills and capability for Victoria’s growing residential solar industry across the whole supply chain.”

“The government’s investment will not only create new jobs in the industry but continue to lift standards and quality by investing in skills and qualifications for the increasingly technical nature of solar and new energy technologies.”

“We're working with Energy Safe Victoria to support professional development, the Licensed Electrical Inspector industry to improve the timeliness of independent electrical inspections, and households who have installed solar to gain their Certificate of Electrical Safety sooner.”

“Solar Victoria is committed to engaging with industry and delivering program improvements for the safety of all Victorians.”

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