The Hon Kristy McBain MP
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro

Support is now available for Eden-Monaro apprentices working in the clean energy sector, as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s New Energy Apprenticeships Program.

The program provides direct support to individuals undertaking a Certificate III or above qualification for a Clean Energy Occupation listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.

Apprentices who started on or after 1 January 2023 are eligible for the program and have access to financial assistance of up to $10,000.

To help improve apprentice retention and completion rates, payments are made at intervals based on the apprentices start date.

Full-time apprentices are eligible to claim up to $2,000 at 6, 12, 24 and 36 month intervals, and on completion of their apprenticeship. Part-time apprentices can claim up to $1,000 at these intervals.

From July 2023, apprentices in the program will have access to professional development training delivered by industry mentors. Connecting apprentices with experienced professionals will give insight into the industry, while providing real-world training and experience.

For more information about the New Energy Apprenticeship Program, visit: www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/aus-apprenticeships-incentives

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“Under the Liberals and Nationals government, apprentices declined rapidly across the country, leaving a major skills and employment shortage across industries.

“A large number of people in Eden-Monaro are pursuing careers in the clean energy sector, which covers up to 40 different occupations across multiple industries, including solar panel installation, working on large-scale renewable projects, through to agricultural technicians.

“We’re incentivising them to undertake an apprenticeship and to follow their dream profession, because you can’t underestimate the value of learning on the job.

“This will ensure there’s a pipeline of skilled workers to support Australia’s clean energy infrastructure now and in the future.”