Government expands $10,000 apprenticeship scheme in search for clean and green energy workers

A Commonwealth scheme granting $10,000 in support to clean energy apprentices will be expanded, as the federal government and industry groups attempt to attract workers needed for the green transition.

The New Energy Apprenticeships Program, announced in the October 2022 federal budget, promised financial support to new apprentices in priority occupations.

It promised to deliver 10,000 apprentices in fields critical to clean energy generation, transmission, and usage, and officially launched on January 1, 2023.

On Friday, the federal government revealed the scheme has attracted 2,210 sign-ups to date, far fewer than are needed to achieve its ambitions.

From June 1 this year, the scheme will be adjusted: while a clean energy component will remain essential to each apprenticeship, recipients will not need to focus solely on clean energy.

This means apprenticeships linked to housing, advanced manufacturing, and the electric vehicle sector will come under the New Energy Apprenticeships program.

In a statement, Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor said it was appropriate to expand the scheme's remit to meet Australia's pressing need for skilled workers.

"We must do all we can to supercharge our efforts to address climate change, as well as address the acute skills shortages we face to rewire the nation," he said.

The decision to expand the program follows consultation with industry groups, leading to what O'Connor called a more "common-sense" approach to eligibility criteria.

"This is a great opportunity for Australians to gain a trade whilst accessing government incentives, as well as doing something tangible for the environment by working in industries that will reduce carbon emissions."

Apprentice completion rates across the board are a pressing concern for the federal government and O'Connor, who touched on the issue himself in October 2022.

"There is also no point in boosting the number of apprenticeships if apprentices already in the system are not properly supported and leave before they get their qualification," he told the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the time.

"We need to fix the leaks in the bucket before we turn the tap on harder."

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