Manufacturing jobs among priorities in Victoria’s 10-year clean economy plan

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Image credit: Jeson/stock.adobe.com

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the state’s workforce with the launch of a new 10-year clean economy plan that will potentially create targeted training and skills programs in the manufacturing, engineering, electricity, and construction sectors.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today officially launched the “Clean Economy Workforce Development Strategy 2023–2033,” which provides a planning and investment framework to support the workforce and create training routes to meet the growing needs for skills in the industry. 

According to the government, Victoria’s transition to a clean economy would generate 10,000 new employment each year, including positions in energy auditing, environmental certification, solar technicians, and climate change analysis.

In particular, the new strategy highlights five critical targets to accelerate the workforce shift, including a reinvented skills model, flexible education and training, and improved workforce planning and attraction.

Minister Tierney stated that the ambitious objectives will transform Victoria and position the state as a global leader in climate action. 

“This is a landmark opportunity for everyone in Victoria – we want government, industry, the workforce and our training sector will work together to achieve our goal,” noted the minister. 

In addition to the new scheme, the Labor Government is also reinstating the State Electricity Commission (SEC) to assist in job creation, as well as spending an initial $1 billion on new renewable energy and storage projects.

“This government will create thousands of jobs as we lead the nation in the renewable energy transition, creating the next generation of energy workers through a strong and skilled pipeline of workers,” said Minister for SEC Lily D’Ambrosio.

Another critical component of the strategy is preparing workers to exploit opportunities as part of the government’s $515 million transformation and reform of Victoria’s waste and recycling industry.

“It’s important our future workforce has the skills they need to build a career in Victoria’s growing circular economy industry,” Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt remarked.