The Victorian Government has unveiled a new program designed to help Gippsland residents looking to kickstart a new career in the clean energy sector, called the Earn and Learn program.
Victorian Minister for Employment, Vicki Ward, visited Alinta Energy in Morwell to meet workers who are participating in a Jobs Victoria energy project providing training and job opportunities for people who have previously struggled to find work.
The $2.65 million initiative is expected to deliver 130 jobs in the renewable energy supply chain and supporting industries in Gippsland and Melbourne’s south-east.
The job opportunities available include solar hot water manufacturing, battery recycling, solar installation and customer service. People from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including young workers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal people, people with disability and those experiencing long-term unemployment.
Local Morwell resident, Cherie, is now working as a Customer Service Representative in the Alinta Energy call centre in Morwell. Cherie heard about the program after a period of unsuccessfully looking for work. She contacted Maxima, one of the program partners, and was supported through the whole process from her application, through training and then landing a job.
Jobs Victoria is partnering with the Latrobe Valley Authority, Solar Victoria and Maxima to deliver the project, bringing together industry expertise, skill development pathways and on-the-ground connections.
New recruits who participate in the program are placed in secure, entry-level positions for at least 12 months where they then receive wraparound support to help them succeed in their career.
A strong energy workforce is critical to Victoria meeting its target of 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035, which is expected to create 59,000 jobs and an additional 6,000 apprentices.
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Victorian Minister for Employment, Vicki Ward, said, “There are lots of new jobs being created in our changing energy sector, and we want to make sure that all Victorians have the right support to take advantage of this opportunity. This earn and learn’ jobs program is helping to build a future-ready workforce for this critical sector.”
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “Now and in years to come, Victoria’s renewable energy transition will continue to create thousands of jobs, so it is essential that we are building a strong pipeline of skilled workers for our renewable energy transition.”
Victrorian Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said, “This program is another way for Gippslanders to forge careers in a jobs growth sector closer to home and is an important part of our work to support long-term transition and development across the region.”
