A recent story by ABC News has brought national attention to a practical but critical issue impacting the trades: inadequate onsite facilities, including access to toilets, are pushing some workers to consider leaving the industry altogether.

The article highlights how basic workplace amenities (something many take for granted) can become a significant barrier to participation, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups in construction and electrotechnology. In a sector already facing workforce shortages, these barriers directly undermine attraction and retention efforts.

Initiatives from The GO Company, and the Electrical Trades Union of Australia’s, Nowhere To Go campaign, are working to improve accessibility standards and ensure worksites are inclusive and fit for a modern workforce. These practical steps demonstrate that solutions are available when industry chooses to act.
As Australia works toward ambitious infrastructure and clean energy targets, workforce participation must be a priority. Addressing shortages is not only about recruiting new entrants, it is about creating safe, inclusive and respectful environments where people can start, stay and succeed.

It’s 2026. We can, and must, do better.

Energy Skills Australia supports industry-led initiatives that strengthen workplace culture, improve accessibility, and help build a sustainable, skilled workforce for the future.

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The NSW Government has committed $2.5 million to deliver mobile clean energy training across regional communities. This initiative brings skills development directly to where they’re needed, enabling local access to accredited training in solar, battery storage, and electrification technologies.

ESA welcomes this investment as a vital step toward upskilling the workforce for a clean energy future while addressing regional skills gaps and supporting local employment opportunities.

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A recent Electrical Trades Union (ETU) survey has revealed a serious safety risk across our industry — one in eight electrical apprentices have received a potentially deadly electric shock at work.

For apprentices who don’t start trade school until their second year, that number doubles to one in four.

Delays in safety training, poor supervision, and inconsistent mentoring are leaving new apprentices exposed to unacceptable risks in a licensed, high-risk trade. Since 2018, six apprentices have tragically lost their lives due to electrocution.

Energy Skills Australia (ESA) supports the concerns raised in the recent media articles including:

• Safety training must be delivered upfront
• Apprentices must be properly supervised at all times
• Consistent, enforceable safety standards are needed nationally
• Mentoring must be genuine and accessible

Australia needs up to 42,000 additional electricians by 2030, but this workforce cannot be built by compromising safety.

Every apprentice deserves to learn in a safe environment and return home unharmed — every single day.

ESA will continue advocating with government, industry and unions to ensure training is delivered safely and responsibly as Australia transitions to clean energy.

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A few weeks ago, the Energy Skills Australia team attended the Master Electricians Australia (MEA) Conference at the QT Gold Coast, and it was a fantastic few days of networking, learning, and industry insights.

The conference kicked off with the National Awards Dinner on Friday night — congratulations to all winners and nominees for your outstanding achievements!

Day 1 began with the Women in Contracting networking session, which was inspiring to see so many attendees engage and connect. This was followed by the AGM and a lively AFL Grand Finale viewing.

Day 2 featured a series of engaging presentations, including the keynote by Michael McQueen, who captivated the audience with insights on “Preparing Now for What’s Next”, covering AI, generational transitions, and the importance of thinking revolution, not evolution. His presentation sparked conversations among attendees throughout the day.

Day 3 included updates from PSO CEO Anthea Middleton and Solar Accreditation Australia, concluding with a relaxing cruise on the water.

Our key takeaways from the conference included the need for stronger support for the regional sector and renewed commitments to help apprentices stay with small businesses.

The ESA team came away energised, inspired, and committed to continuing our work to support the electrical and energy workforce across Australia.

Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) officially launched their 2025 Workforce Plan, High Load, Short Supply: Bridging the Gap to 2030, at the end of August at Parliament House. The plan explores the complex opportunities and challenges Australia faces in building the energy, gas, and renewables workforce required to meet net zero targets and drive the nation’s electrification and technological advancement.

The Workforce Plan provides a clear roadmap for government, industry, businesses, and training providers, focusing on:

• Addressing skills shortages and upskilling needs
• Overcoming cultural and systemic barriers
• Outlining strategic actions to grow a clean energy workforce

ESA CEO Mark Burgess attended the launch and commented, “The plan is well thought out and addresses a number of workforce challenges (and opportunities) the energy and training sectors are facing as we continue to build a clean energy economy.”

PSO is now inviting feedback from stakeholders to help refine their strategies.

Read the Workforce Plan

As of 1 September 2025, new requirements for the effective supervision of apprentice electricians have officially come into effect in Victoria.

The Requirements for the Effective Supervision of Apprentice Electricians set out the obligations and responsibilities of employers and supervisors under section 39 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998 (Vic) and Regulation 507 of the Electricity Safety (General) Regulations 2019 (Vic).

These rules are designed to ensure apprentices receive appropriate guidance, safe on-the-job training, and the support needed to build competence while maintaining community safety. Employers and supervisors must now meet the updated legal requirements when overseeing electrical apprentices.

For more detailed information, you can download the official document: Requirements for Effective Supervision of Apprentice Electricians – Effective 1 Sept 25 V1.1, available from the Energy Safe Victoria website.

From an Energy Skills Australia (ESA) perspective, nationally consistent supervision standards are critical to ensuring apprentice safety, quality training outcomes, and confidence in the electrical licensing system across all jurisdictions.

Energy Skills Australia is excited to welcome Stephen Darby, a highly skilled and experienced leader in the vocational education and training (VET) and education sectors. With over 30 years of experience working across a diverse range of organisations, projects, and stakeholders, Stephen brings valuable expertise to the team.

Stephen has a strong track record in resource and learning management system (LMS) development, RTO compliance, business analysis, project management, and database development. His comprehensive skills make him a versatile contributor to workforce development initiatives.

As a qualified electrician, electrical engineer, and school teacher, Stephen holds deep knowledge across the Energy, Education, and Technology sectors. His multifaceted background positions him well to support Energy Skills Australia’s mission to build a skilled and adaptable energy workforce.

In partnership with Future Energy Skills (FES), Energy Skills Australia has been engaged by the Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) to deliver the Foundation for Energy: Literacy and Numeracy for Energy Jobs Project.

About the Project

The project aims to gain a greater understanding and produce a framework to align language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LLND) requirements in school curricula (yrs 9-12) with the skills needed for energy sector roles, focusing on students’ pathways through school to vocational education and training (VET) and apprenticeships.

The Project aligns with and will contribute to PSOs national workforce planning efforts. During the project ESA and FES will work closely with PSO and a range of stakeholders on a national level to inform the project outcomes.

Project Objectives

The project’s main objectives are to:

1. Support clear pathways into energy-related careers through curriculum pathways, stakeholder engagement, and improved narrative around required competencies in maths, english and science.
2. Map skills required from the key occupations back through the pathway for VET in key courses (apprenticeships) then down through offering and curriculum in yr 9-12.
3. Understand the literacy and numeracy requirements in maths, science, english pathways through traditional pathways to provide better pathway advice for students and career counsellors.
4. Inform VET apprenticeship programs with a clear framework on the literacy and numeracy pathway into their sectors.
5. Encourage a greater number of students who are better informed about the requirements to ensure there are less non-completions due to lack of understanding of numeracy and literacy requirements.

Project Timeline

August 2025 – April 2026

Stay updated on the project’s progress by referring to the project plan and consultation strategy available on the Powering Skills Organisation website.

On Wednesday 29 May, the Big Sister – Advanced Mentoring SA/WA Program was officially launched at PEER in South Australia, marking an important step toward supporting, retaining, and advancing women in the electrical, construction, and clean energy trades.

The event was attended by The Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, and The Hon. Blair Boyer MP, SA Minister for Education, Training & Skills. Representatives from the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations were also present, alongside a broad cross-section of program partners, industry leaders, government agencies, and training stakeholders.

The Big Sister Program is designed to create safer, more inclusive workplaces by providing targeted support, mentoring, and development pathways for women apprentices. The initiative is a key component of the Australian Government’s Building Women’s Careers Program, which funds projects that strengthen participation and retention of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

With a focus on real, lasting cultural change, the program will connect participants with experienced mentors, industry networks, and professional development opportunities across both South Australia and Western Australia.

Keep up to date on the project through the Big Sister website and follow the program’s progress on social media.