Today the Albanese Labor Government announced an expansion of the New Energy Apprenticeships Program which provides incentives to encourage more people into sectors that are playing a critical role in transitioning Australia to a net zero economy.
From 1 June 2024, the program will be broadened to assist more apprentices and trainees to upskill in sectors with exposure to clean energy – such as the automotive sector. This is through the removal of a requirement that an apprentice’s work be solely dedicated to clean energy, whilst retaining a clean energy skilling purpose for the apprenticeship.
The New Energy Apprenticeships Program gives apprentices up to $10,000 in support over the duration of their apprenticeship, helping to offset cost-of-living challenges that apprentices face, especially during their first two years.
The New Energy Apprenticeships Program covers 40 different occupations, encouraging more apprentices to build skills relevant for the net zero transition.
The changes to this scheme removed a requirement that an apprentice’s work be solely dedicated to clean energy and is welcome recognition that along with servicing and repairing new technologies such as EVs and hybrids, automotive technicians will continue to provide services for traditional ICE vehicles well into the future.
For more information about New Energy Apprentices, visit www.apprenticeships.gov.au.
