Australia’s clean energy industries are benefitting from a skilled workforce boost, with Australians showing strong interest in the Albanese Labor Government’s $10,000 incentives for new apprentices in clean energy trades.
26,826 apprentices have commenced in a New Energy Apprenticeship since the initiative launched in 2023, now part of the Key Apprenticeship Program.
These apprentices are strengthening the pipeline of workers in emerging industries including solar, automotive and smart technology – and are getting the backing to not only kickstart their apprenticeship but complete it.
The Key Apprenticeship Program provides eligible apprentices with financial support of up to $10,000 over the course of their training, helping them with cost-of-living pressures and boosting the workforce in sectors vital to Australia’s energy transition.
Data from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations shows:
- the top sectors for new energy apprenticeships were:
- solar – 8,815 apprenticeships (32.9 per cent of commencements);
- smart technology – 5,717 apprenticeships (21.3 per cent); and
- automotive – 4,680 apprenticeships (17.4 per cent);
- 60 per cent of the apprenticeships are in small businesses; and
- 31 per cent are working in regional or remote communities.
Amy Mathers is one of the 1,086 women to take up a New Energy Apprenticeship in a traditionally male-dominated trade – making up 5.5 per cent of apprenticeships in the Program.
Amy, 18, a First Nations Australian from Canberra, began her automotive technician apprenticeship in February this year with John McGrath Auto Group. She is fulfilling her dream of working with cars, focusing on electric vehicles.
“An apprenticeship can set you up for life,” she said. “You can build your skills and knowledge. It’s something everyone should consider when leaving school,” Amy said.
Andrew Ebrahim, a 32-year-old electrical apprentice from Sydney is also benefitting from the incentive. He started with Ausgrid in January this year.
Andrew said he chose his apprenticeship due to the hands-on nature and practical problem-solving skills required.
“Apprenticeships are important because they offer a strong mix of hands-on experience, real workplace learning, and study at TAFE,” he said.
“They also help build the skilled trades Australia needs, while giving people a solid career path and a chance to learn on the job.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“An apprenticeship is a pathway to a great career – and our Government is backing more Australians to choose a trade that sets them up for life, particularly in our clean energy industries where there are incredible opportunities.
“We know however that apprentices – and their employers too – benefit from support throughout their apprenticeship. That’s where our $10,000 incentives come in – tangible, targeted support for apprentices to get the tools they need for the job.
“The Albanese Labor Government is backing in apprenticeships. All we see from the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation is climate denialism, and talking down apprentices by labelling programs like this one ‘wrong’ and ‘throwing good money after bad money’, as the Shadow Minister has done.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation, Kate Thwaites:
“Australia needs more skilled workers in clean energy trades to help us deliver national priorities like achieving our net zero targets and supporting projects that require new energy solutions.
“By backing apprentices and employers, we are addressing critical skills shortages and building the highly skilled workforce needed to power Australia’s future.
“These sort of programs and hands on training are critical to strengthening the workforce in growing sectors like EV automotive, solar and renewable energy, and improving grid efficiency.”
BACKGROUND
Apprenticeship take up through New Energy Apprenticeships is strong across Australia. As at 1 July 2026, apprenticeships under the Program were:
- Queensland – 7,975
- Victoria – 7,004
- New South Wales – 4,472
- Western Australia – 2,990
- South Australia – 2,906
- Tasmania – 700
- Australian Capital Territory – 583
- Northern Territory – 193.
