Work safely in the solar industry

Why is solar safety training required?

Safety is a key priority in the delivery of the Solar Homes Program. As the program rolls out, increased demand for solar generates more work. The increased demand creates more installations for existing workers and brings new workers into the solar industry for the first time.

A level playing field is required so that all workers – from new apprentices and trade assistants, to experienced electricians and plumbers – have a consistent level of knowledge and skills to do their job safely and to a high standard.

We also expect authorised retailers in our program to meet their OHS obligations by providing all necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure installers work safely and without risks to health.

What does the training cover?

The Victorian Government is providing free (for eligible workers) the skill set 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry. It comprises:

* VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry unit covers:

• Preparing to work in the solar industry safely.
• Planning and preparing for solar installation.
• Evaluating work area requirements including safely working at heights.
• Accessing the solar installation work area safely.
• Performing and completing non-electrical solar installation work tasks.

Who has to complete it?

Completing VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry unit is mandatory for on-site installers and other on-site workers in the Solar Homes Program. From 1 July 2023, this includes:

• solar PV and battery installers
• all licensed and registered plumbers installing solar hot water systems
• apprentices
• trade assistants.

From 1 July 2023, completing VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry is recommended only for heat pump installers and other heat pump workers participating in the hot water rebate stream. We will review our training requirements to ensure suitability for workers involved in the installation of hot water systems.

We recommend installers complete all units in the 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry, in addition to the two mandatory units (VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry and CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (White Card).

Participants who exit 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry without completing all five units will receive a Statement of Attainment from the training provider which lists the successfully completed units.

Experienced workers may be eligible for credit towards this course through credit transfers for units already completed, recognition of prior learning for similar units and on the job learning or recognition of current competence. Contact a participating training provider to discuss the options.

Plumbers who work with Solar Victoria retailers can apply for Master Plumbers CPD points for all units in 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry. See the Master Plumbers website for the allocation of Master Plumbers CPD points.

Solar safety training is also available free of charge to workers who maintain and clean solar PV panels. While not mandatory for these workers, completing the training will help contribute to a safe working environment for all.

How to enrol

Please go to the Victorian Skills Gateway to select a participating training provider.

After completing all steps to enrol, keep an eye on your emails (and sometimes your junk or spam folder). Your chosen training provider will use email as the main way to communicate with you.

For help with your enrolment, please contact your chosen training provider directly.

Training in regional Victoria

Mobile training is also available until June 2024 across regional Victoria to complete the mandatory VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry unit with the Solar Training Centre - (RTO #40352).

Current training dates and locations:

Minimum student numbers are needed for this training to run and other regional locations may be scheduled if this requirement is met.

The Solar Training Centre will provide students with online theory materials to work through prior to attending the practical on-site aspect of the unit. Students will have a minimum of one week to complete the materials and will need to submit completed theory five days prior to the on-site practical training. The on-site training in a simulated work environment will take 3 to 4 hours to complete.

To enrol or register your interest in future dates and locations, please go to the Solar Training Centre and email info@greenrto.com.au

About our commitment

Solar Victoria is investing $11 million to deliver a comprehensive training and workforce development package for solar and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning industry workers to have the skills and capabilities needed to deliver our programs and support growth.

Boosting training and workforce development will ensure Victoria has an ongoing supply of skilled workers to support growth in the renewable and clean energy sector.

More information

Please contact your preferred training provider with any questions about this training and how to enrol.

For general enquiries about Solar Victoria’s training and workforce development program, please email industrytraining@team.solar.vic.gov.au and for information about other initiatives helping to grow Victoria’s clean energy workforce, see Training and workforce development.