Labor is delivering more free training for plumbers, electricians and other energy workers.

Minister D’Ambrosio announced new fully funded places for EV charger installation training.

Demand for EV charging infrastructure installation is expected to quadruple to 14,300 workers across the state.

This will be delivered by Solar Victoria in partnership with TAFE Gippsland, Holmesglen and the National Communications and Electrical Association (NECA).

There will also be free training for electrical workers to upgrade switchboards for home electrification and installing reverse cycle air conditioners.

Free training for efficient hot water installation will also continue, with strong demand for the program.

This is part of Labor’s $5 million Electrification Skills Training Program.

This program is building the workforce that will help Victorians lower their energy bills.

To date, more than 6,100 workers have undertaken training through the program and around 2,100 participated in mentoring support.

Through to 2040, demand is expected to remain strong for occupations such as electricians and plumbers.

Labor’s Victorian Energy Jobs Plan expects the energy workforce to grow by 50 per cent by 2040 to 68,000 jobs.

Around 37 per cent of these jobs will be in regional Victoria.

That’s around $18 billion in wages that will be delivered to regional workers.

Only Labor will maintain the lowest electricity prices in the country, deliver the replacement energy infrastructure needed to keep the lights on and put regional jobs first.

Jess Wilson’s Liberal One Nation Coalition will stop the energy transition, rip this $18 billion in wages from regional workers.

To upskill for free visit, solar.vic.gov.au/training-workforce-development.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio

“By training more workers to install energy saving technologies, we’re helping Victorians cut their energy bills.”

“Labor is making sure regional Victorians have the skills they need to take up the thousands of secure, well-paid energy jobs in their area.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Colin Brooks

"As demand grows for workers who can electrify homes and businesses, we're backing our TAFEs to deliver the training that builds the skilled workforce our economy needs."

"We're making it easier for Victorians to gain the skills employers are looking for, without the cost of training getting in the way."

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh

“We’re making sure local workers have the skills they need to take up more opportunities where demand is growing in the energy sector.”