The Victorian Government is upskilling and expanding the plumbing sector to meet the State’s growing demand for energy-efficient home solutions.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the launch of a new training program in collaboration with the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) that will provide specialised skills in planning and installing energy-efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems.
“Victoria’s solar and renewable energy sector needs plumbing professionals with the right skills as demand for renewable energy installations increase, as we transition to a clean energy future,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.
Minister D’Ambrosio added that Victoria’s hot water rebate is only one way the State Government assists Victorians to save money on their energy and utility bills while also reducing emissions.
Around 200 Victorian plumbers and fourth-year plumbing apprentices have signed up for the program, which will run through November 2023. This follows a successful pilot last year.
“We’re upskilling plumbers and fourth-year apprentices with the specialised skills they need to take advantage of this solar hot water boom,” Minister for Skills and Training Gayle Tierney said.
According to the State Government, the program is a part of Solar Victoria’s $11 million training and workforce development program, which aims to build Victoria’s clean energy workforce and prepare people for careers in the booming renewables sector.
In 2022, the State Government said the number of Victorians who used the $1000 subsidy to replace their hot water systems with solar hot water or energy-efficient heat pump systems nearly doubled.
The Government added that with the opening of a new, more efficient digital application platform this week, it is also quicker and simpler to apply for a Solar Hot Water Refund, enhancing the user experience and increasing demand.
As part of the program’s shift towards less expensive and more energy-efficient technology, gas hot water systems are no longer financed under the program.
According to the Government, switching to solar or a heat pump could save homes up to $400 per year on their electricity costs, as hot water is the second highest consumer of domestic energy.
The $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program has reduced Victoria’s carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes, assisting the State in electrification and meeting emissions reduction targets of 75-80% by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.
