Energy and renewables industry unites to drive future skills and training agenda
A consortium of energy industry employer groups and unions will be at the forefront of electrical industry training under the Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) arrangements announced by the Federal Government.
The new Energy, Gas and Renewables JSC will see Master Electricians Australia working with the Electrical Trades Union, National Electrical and Communications Association, and government and training providers to help develop the skills needed for the workforce of tomorrow.
Master Electricians Australia CEO Malcolm Richards said the new arrangement would boost the already-strong cooperation across the industry when it came to identifying emerging skills needs and developing appropriate training resources.
“For Master Electricians Australia, safety and skills development are such a core part of what we do and why we exist to serve the industry,” Mr Richards said.
“We’ve always worked with unions and the VET sector to develop effective and engaging training courses and materials, so the new JSC arrangement is really an extension of that work.”
ETU Assistant Secretary Michael Wright said: “Quality vocational education and training (VET) is vital for helping Australians access secure, well-paid jobs.
“In the electrical industry, having access to the most effective and up-to-date training is even more important, because it forms the basis of the safety culture and mindset that protect lives every day in our industry.”
NECA CEO Oliver Judd said: “Demand for skilled workers in the electrical industry is booming, and it will only continue to grow with the emergence of renewables.
“We applaud the Government for developing the Energy, Gas and Renewables JSC, and we look forward to achieving great results for businesses, workers and the Australian public.”
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More details of the new Joint Skills Councils is available here: https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/skills-reform-overview/industry-engagement-reforms
Media contacts:
Malcolm Richards (MEA) – 07 3221 9222 or 0467 792 013
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