Australia must start developing more tradies from the classroom on up or risk losing out to other countries in the rush to get a foothold in the expanding renewable energy economy, experts warn.
A report released on Wednesday by the Centre for New Industry at think tank Per Capita found Australia will require almost 100,000 additional skilled electrical workers alone by 2050.
But existing education centres are at capacity and there are unprecedented labour shortages, exposing the need for training to be rapidly expanded..
The forecast shortfall in workers threatens energy security and jeopardises Australia’s climate commitments, according to the Charged Up report commissioned by the Electrical Trades Union.
‘We’re not doing a terrible job, we have 170,000 electricians currently, we have a skilled workforce,’ ETU national secretary Michael Wright said.
But Australia was not prepared for electrification and the upgrade of power systems to allow for net-zero emissions technology – along with growing demand for more housing and defence programs, he told AAP.
‘This is not business as usual. This is not just a step change, this is a generational shift,’ Mr Wright said.
The federal government’s $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia plan also depends on more electricians, but apprentices are already waiting 18 months to get into a classroom.
Multi-millionaire entrepreneur Dick Smith is pushing young Aussies to consider picking up a trade instead of studying at university. Above, with wife Pip
Women only make up two per cent of qualified trade workers (stock image)
Meanwhile, there is ‘burn and churn’ in the renewable energy sector with big energy firms failing to invest in apprentices,’ he said.
‘We see particularly solar taking more than it gives in terms of training … mass employment of backpackers who are there for a good time not a long time.’
Expanding the production of renewable energy beyond domestic requirements will require an additional 42,500 electricians this decade.
But almost half of Australia’s electrical apprentices already fail to finish their training because of low wages, lack of mentoring, and bullying at toxic workplaces, the report found.
‘Ordering workers is not the same as ordering solar panels … it requires that human dimension,’ Mr Wright said.
Young women in particular need safer workplaces, including protective equipment that fits and seperate toilets with sanitary bins.
It was a ‘disgrace’ that women only make up two per cent of qualified trade workers, he said.
Nor can the country rely on immigration alone, he said, as every advanced economy will be chasing skilled workers for installing clean energy, battery supply chains and other advanced technologies.
Per Capita head Emma Dawson said workforce readiness was a critical but neglected part of the energy transition.
‘Australia can become a renewable energy superpower, but we need the workforce to deliver it,’ she said.
The report recommended an urgent response, including a requirement that projects getting taxpayer funding put on apprentices.
A new role of Clean Energy Jobs Commissioner should be creating secure, well-paid jobs by working with industry, unions and governments.
Australia will require almost 100,000 additional skilled electrical workers by 2050, according to a new report
Renewable energy professionals were urged to get involved in training to pass on crucial skills, along with more investment in TAFEs and industry-led programs.
Otherwise the regions, people entering the workforce and existing workers could miss out as other nations prosper.
Multi-millionaire entrepreneur Dick Smith is pushing young Aussies to consider picking up a trade instead of studying at university.
The businessman said Australia needs more qualified tradespeople as record population growth – fuelled by immigration – puts further pressure on the housing crisis.
‘A tradesman can earn really good money, especially if he or she opens their own business,’ Mr Smith told Daily Mail Australia.
‘My local electrician, he’s a millionaire. He’s done very well. And so, to me, a tradesperson who opens their own business can do incredibly well in Australia.
‘I think there’s a greater chance for a person who’s trade qualified to open their own business, and employ their own people, than someone with an arts degree.’
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