Free training in solar installations will be available through the state government’s Free TAFE initiative to meet renewable energy demands in Victoria.
The ‘Working Safely in the Solar Industry’ course will be added as a new free course from July at twelve TAFE locations, including seven in regional areas.
The short course offers two days of training in order to help electricians and other trades workers, like those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, upskill in order to be qualified to work in Solar Victoria’s programs.
The free course is also aimed to help meet the demand for solar energy in Victoria, cutting emissions and reducing energy bills for residents.
The government is also supporting solar power by offering solar panel rebates to households as part of the Solar Homes program.
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said the Solar Homes initiative had been taken up by almost 200,000 Victorians.
“As this program grows, we’re making sure the tradespeople who install solar get the skills they need to work safely, for free,” Mr Andrews said.
Training and skills minister Gayle Tierney said trials of the program had already seen thousands of workers trained in solar installation.
“Adding it to free TAFE on an ongoing basis will make it even easier for them to get the skills they need for their work,” Ms Tierney said.
