A lack of skilled electrical workers could put key Hunter clean energy projects in jeopardy, a new report has warned.
The report by the Institute for Sustainable Futures in collaboration with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) shows Australia's electricity sector is poised for significant job growth in coming years.
The majority of the new jobs will be in the renewable energy sector, with wind, solar, and battery storage leading the charge.
The report highlights the growing importance of operations and maintenance roles, which are expected to account for 65 per cent of the electricity sector workforce by 2033.
But it also warns the sector's rapid expansion could lead to potential skills shortages that could derail the clean energy transition.
It estimates that the electricity workforce will need to double in five years to achieve Australia's 2030 renewable energy target.
The scenario has major implications for the construction of the state's renewable energy zones, the Hunter Transmission Project and numerous large battery projects.
The Hunter Jobs Alliance has called for the establishment of a Energy Centre of Excellence at Tighes Hill TAFE to help meet the surging demand for training in clean energy and related industries.
"The vocational training system, including our cherished public TAFE system, is straining at the seams to meet current demand across our economy, let alone meet the needs of a set of clean energy industries whose growth is critical for the state's future," Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page said.
"Fortunately, there are known models, industry appetite, and new policy from the NSW and Australian Governments that can help deliver the workforce required."
The Institute for Sustainable Futures report authors endorsed the concerns of the recent Jobs and Skills Australia report that said the renewable energy sector currently invests very little in skills development and training.
The also warned of boom-bust cycles caused by the construction-heavy nature of renewable energy projects that will result in highly variable workforces. This, in turn, would reduce national, regional and local opportunities as it becomes much harder to train and retain a stable workforce.
In addition, many renewable energy projects are located in remote areas, which will be competing for labour with infrastructure projects in big cities.
"The transition to a clean energy future presents a huge opportunity for Australia, both in terms of job creation and economic growth," the research project's chief investigator Jay Rutovitz said.
"We need to act now to address the potential skills shortages to make sure we can deliver this transition and realise the benefits."
The report calls on the federal government, AEMO, and other stakeholders to take immediate steps to address the skills gap.
"By investing in training, streamlining the development process, and promoting diversity in the energy sector, Australia can build a skilled workforce that will power its clean energy future," it says.
It recommends that federal and state governments should implement policies for a smoother development of renewable energy projects over time.
The Australian Skills Guarantee for 1-in-10 workers on publicly funded projects to be apprentices or trainees should be extended to cover all energy infrastructure involving public finance or procurement, the report said.
Also, the energy sector needs to attract a more diverse workforce, including more women and First Nations people.
"The findings highlight the critical need for a proactive approach to workforce development in the renewable energy sector. The report underscores the urgent need for collaboration between industry, government, and training providers to ensure we have the skilled workforce required to achieve a clean energy future for Australia," RACE for 2030 program leader Genevieve Simpson said.
Mr Page said he was hopeful that an announcement regarding the establishment of a Hunter TAFE Centre of Excellence would be made soon.
"The Hunter Jobs Alliance has long been advocating for a TAFE Centre of Excellence to be established in the Hunter," he said.
"The Centres of Excellence model are collaborative bricks and mortar training facilities funded to provide pathways for students and workers, to meet the needs of industry, in specific sectors."
