The Victorian Government has invested $635,000 in the New Energy Project in a move to boost the state’s renewable energy manufacturing capability and grow the renewable energy workforce.
The New Energy Project supports priority job seekers who have been unemployed for six months or more to gain employment in Victoria’s renewable energy industry.
Solar Victoria has partnered with Maxima employment services to deliver the program, which has helped 31 jobseekers to undertake training and secure positions that range from entry level process operator and assembler positions to more experienced roles such as researchers, project engineers, and accountants.
Maxima is providing businesses with training and wrap around support for newly placed employees during their first 12 months of employment. This includes on-site visits and one-on-one discussions
Renewable energy businesses involved in the New Energy Project include RayGen Resources, JR Hammer, Lotus Energy and SRS Metals, PowerPlus Energy, and Sky Energy.
The Victorian Government said a strong energy workforce is critical to Victoria meeting its ambitious target of 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035, which will create 59,000 jobs and an additional 6000 apprenticeships.
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “Solar Victoria has matched renewable energy companies with priority job seekers to help grow the renewable energy workforce while supporting people facing challenging circumstances.”
Victorian Minister for Jobs and Industry, Natalie Hutchins, said, “Now and in years to come, Victoria’s renewable energy transition will continue to create thousands of jobs, so building a strong pipeline of skilled workers for our renewable energy transition is essential.”
Victorian Minister for Employment, Vicki Ward, said the project is another example of how the State Government is supporting Victorians facing barriers to employment and growing the much-needed workforce in economically important and growing sectors like renewable energy.
Victorian Member for Southern Metropolitan, John Berger, said, “We are not only helping Victorians save on their energy bills in building a cleaner, renewable future – we are also providing more jobs for priority jobseekers.”
