A Shorten Labor Government will help create up to 70,000 new jobs and support more young Australians train in the jobs for the future, with a $75 million Renewables Training Package – including support for 10,000 apprentices in the renewable and clean energy industries.
Renewable energy means more jobs, more investment, cheaper energy and lower pollution.
Labor’s commitment to 50 per cent renewables by 2030 will see up to 70,000 jobs created.
Australians already know the benefits of cheaper, cleaner renewable energy. The number of households with rooftop solar has grown from 7,000 in 2007 to more than two million today.
To support this renewables revolution, Labor will support 10,000 apprenticeships in renewable energy-related fields and will upgrade TAFE campuses around the country.
Labor will invest $45 million in 10,000 additional Apprentice Incentives for apprentices in the renewables industry. Employers will be able to access up to $8,000 take on an apprentice and apprentices will get $2,000 to assist with the costs of their education. This is part of Labor’s commitment to an additional 150,000 Apprentice Incentives.
These Apprentice Incentives will be available for apprentices working on renewable energy projects and for clean energy businesses. This includes wind and solar, battery manufacture and installation, pumped hydro and transmission.
Labor will also invest $30 million to upgrade TAFEs and train locals for the 70,000 jobs our renewable energy policies will help generate:
- $20 million Renewable Industries TAFE Upgrades – to make sure apprentices and TAFE students have the opportunity to train on industry standard equipment, including batteries, solar panels, turbine and grid components. This will also support building, construction and design students to integrate renewables into their studies and make sure TAFE is at the forefront of renewables innovation and education.
- $10 million in a Clean Energy Training Fund – to support industry partnerships for the training and upskilling of workers in clean energy industries, from solar and battery installers to energy management system professionals. Labor will work with TAFEs, RTOs, unions, and industry on the implementation of this fund.
There will be thousands of opportunities for apprentices and TAFE students because of Labor’s investment in Solar Schools, Household Battery Program, doubling of the CEFC’s capital, and commitment to delivering 50 per cent renewables by 2030.
Investment in renewable energy is good for Australian jobs and good for the Australian economy.
Scott Morrison and the Liberals are hopelessly divided on climate change – all they have are baseless scare campaigns and no plans to bring down power bills for Australian households and businesses.
The Liberals and Nationals have pushed up power prices and pollution by undermining investment in renewable energy and backing power privatisations – and their chaos and division means industry can’t adequately plan and invest in the future.
Only Labor will deliver real action on climate change and lower pollution, lower power prices and build a stronger economy.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for better investment in renewable energy and skills, TAFE and apprenticeships, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.