Energy Skills Australia CEO Mark Burgess recently embarked on an international tour to learn what other countries are prioritising as we globally trend towards decarbonisation and a renewable energy future. 

As part of the tour Mark visited six industry owned training centres, a collaboration between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), across San Diego, Los Angeles and Chicago.  

The NetZero Plus Electrical Training Insitute in Los Angeles and the In Tech Technical Institute in Chicago are clear leaders in the field of electrical and renewable energy training. The apprenticeship program is five years as opposed to a nominal four-year duration in Australia.  

“The thing that impressed me the most about the training centres was the ability of industry to be the leaders for creation and adoption of products through technological advancements. Through partnerships with universities and manufacturers, they are able be proactive and versatile in training electricians of the future, whilst still maintaining the core fundamentals of electrical training.” Examples of this include the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program, which provides an avenue to standardised certification for workers and contractors. 

The NetZero Plus Electrical Training Institute is also trialling the use of Direct Current lighting systems, including in the facilities auditorium as a further way to increase energy efficiency throughout the complex. 

Mark also got to visit some worksites such as Universal Studios in Hollywood who are in the process of upgrading their fleet of diesel trams to electric. The trams are charged using large induction pads while passengers embark and disembark. In a little over three minutes, the trams are charged enough to complete another circuit of the studio tour. Given the fast-charging nature of the fleet, the trams are then trickle charged overnight to ensure longevity of the batteries. The program is a step towards decarbonisation, but also provides a far better consumer experience with no diesel fumes or noise confronting passengers on the tour. 

In Chicago, Mark also had the opportunity to tour the research and development facility of global electrical and network infrastructure company Panduit.  

After Chicago, Mark headed to Vancouver Canada for the Global Power Trade Union Conference. A common theme throughout the conference was quality training of workers to meet the green transition as well as maintaining licensing systems. Skills shortages were also discussed globally as was skilled migration and ensuring local quality assurance systems are strengthened through partnerships.    

Mark was grateful for the opportunity to attend and present to the conference the Australian perspective on skilling for a clean economy.   

“It was a jam-packed itinerary, but a fantastic opportunity to see how other countries are dealing with the same challenges that Australia is facing through skills shortages, meeting technological advancements of products and training for the renewables industry.”

On Monday 10th October Energy Skills Australia along with other industry stakeholders joined with The Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP – Minister for Training and Skills and the Hon. Member for Corangamite Libby Coker for the Corangamite Jobs and Skills Roundtable. A consultation leading into the employment white paper, which will provide a roadmap for Australia to build a bigger, better-trained and more skilled workforce.

Energy Skills Australia Executive Officer Mark Burgess addressed the roundtable, of the challenges presented to our industry and foremost to the electrotechnology and clean energy sector.

The Powering Australia Plan, led by the Albanese Government will create up to 600,000 jobs by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions by 43% within the same timeframe on a path to Net Zero by 2050. However the workforce challenges associated with the Powering Australia Agenda are also significant.

“Our sector is confronted by technological advancements, increased uptake of small and large-scale renewable energy generation, transmission and distribution networks with ageing infrastructure and the need to rewire the nation as we make progress towards an increasingly electrified nation.” said Mr Burgess.

We need to put industry bodies back in charge of their destiny. Whilst Employer Associations and Unions may not always agree on everything, when it comes to skills and training there is plenty of common ground and what is certain, is that industry must be at the centre of the plan.

“Working together collaboratively to ensure we can deliver outcomes and provide avenues for secure employment, including increased female and indigenous participation and those workers from traditional power generation communities on our way to a recharged economy.”

“Although the challenges seem daunting, the opportunities for workers and business in our industries as we transition to Net Zero are immense.” Said Mr Burgess.

To help achieve the Powering Australia Plan, Energy Skills Australia developed a preliminary paper leading into the Corangamite Jobs and Skills Roundtable with fifteen recommendations on how we can do better as we enter the clean energy revolution.

Energy Skills Australia is committed to supporting industry, business and workers as the nation continues the energy transition.