Australia, Projects, Renewables, Solar

Bright futures: Career pathways in solar energy for non-electricians

Addressing the increasing workforce demands in Australia’s clean energy sector poses a substantial challenge, and it’s one Holmesglen believes educational institutions must address head-on.

Holmesglen is ready to train the future renewable energy workforce of Australia.

The green energy revolution is reshaping the workforce landscape, offering exciting career opportunities in the solar industry. As Australia and the rest of the world increasingly embrace renewable energy sources, the demand for skilled solar professionals is rapidly increasing.

The State Electricity Commission (SEC) in Victoria is expected to contribute towards 59,000 jobs in renewable energy, and up to 6000 spots for apprentices and trainees.

To address this demand, Holmesglen Institute’s Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence is offering new nationally accredited training programs to equip people − including non-electricians − with the necessary skills and knowledge for a rewarding career in solar energy.

New pathways to work in solar systems

Holmesglen Institute is pioneering new pathways for non-electricians to join the booming solar industry in 2025.

A comprehensive training program will enable students to gain accreditation in solar design – a rapidly growing field as Australia transitions to clean energy.

“While only licensed electricians can physically install solar systems, our courses teach everyone how to design efficient setups that maximize sunlight capture,” David Tolliday, Renewable Energy Senior Instructor at Holmesglen said.

“We’re encouraging females in particular to explore these non-traditional career opportunities.”

The program begins with a foundational course called UEERE0054 Conduct Site Survey for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage Systems.

Open to people from diverse backgrounds like solar sales, office staff, electricians and engineers, it covers PV and battery storage fundamentals.

Students learn to conduct site surveys and communicate effectively across project teams.

Non-electricians then progress to UEERE0051 Apply Electrical Principles to Renewable Energy Design.

This builds the electrical knowledge base required for solar design.

To complete the accreditation pathway, they undertake either UEERE0061 Design Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Power Supply Systems or UEERE0060 Design Grid-Connected Battery Storage Systems.

“As a female non-electrician, I found limited training options until discovering Holmesglen’s program,” Lauren Ciconte, a graduate of the institute’s Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence said.

“Completing my GCPV Design Accreditation has been incredibly beneficial for my personal and professional growth in solar energy. I apply my accreditation daily, and it has even enabled me to conduct site inspections and surveys, alleviating pressure on our installers.”

For electricians, the courses provide an upskilling avenue tailored to their career goals.

All students complete the foundational site survey module before selected design courses matching their accreditation targets.

Training a solar-skilled workforce

Underpinning the new approach to solar training is the Victorian Government’s Clean Economy Workforce Development Strategy 2023-2033.

The 10-year plan aims to grow the training sector’s green energy capacity, improve access to energy qualifications and meet rising industry demand for clean energy skills.

Thirty per cent of Australia’s renewable energy jobs are in Victoria and the demand for skilled green energy workers is rapidly increasing.

“To meet this demand, Holmesglen’s Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence is leading the way in providing quality hands-on training,” Tolliday said.

“This is an ideal time to upskill or reskill and join the Clean Economy Workforce as the renewable energy rapidly expands in Victoria and Australia.”

Holmesglen, one of the largest TAFEs in Victoria, is considered the premier training facility for renewable energy in the state and has dramatically expanded its training facilities for nationally accredited course offerings since 2008.

The continued support from leading solar brands like Solis, REC Solar, Fronius, Clenergy, Powerplus, BYD, NOARK, Victron give Holmesglen’s students the best hands-on experience with the latest quality products.

Led by Holmesglen and powered by the Victorian TAFE network, Apprentice Success connects employers and apprentices with customised support and opportunities across the clean energy sector.

Potential students are welcomed to explore their clean energy potential by calling 1300 360 921 or visit apprenticesuccess.com.au

For more information, visit holmesglen.edu.au

This article featured in the December edition of ecogeneration.

For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration

Send this to a friend