Speaking at the EPIC Industry Training Board ‘Power Forward’ forum, Mr Batchelor said that as the Victoria’s energy industry moved toward a low-emissions future, new industries, businesses and jobs were being created.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to tackle climate change by changing the energy mix and positioning Victoria as an innovation economy,” Mr Batchelor said.
“The energy sector is a critical industry in Victoria and the sector’s people and the skills they have are vital to its success, sustainability and continued evolution. “Now more than ever we need people with skills to manage the transition.”
“Now more than ever we need people with skills to manage the transition and we need to equip this generation and the next with the skills they need for the future.”
Mr Batchelor commended organisations, businesses and unions who were working to ensure that the energy sector’s skill development needs were identified and addressed.
“Forums like the one being hosted by EPIC Industry Training Board today are a valuable opportunity for representatives from across the power industry to discuss workforce opportunities and challenges, including the recruitment, retention and re-skilling of workers,” he said.
“The rapid pace of change for the energy sector brings home the importance of skills and training, but just as importantly it highlights the need to match skills and training to the industry’s needs.”
Mr Batchelor said the Brumby Labor Government was implementing initiatives needed to respond to the climate change skills challenge.
“This Government has released its Securing Jobs for Your Future: Skills for Victoria, a $316 million package of reforms for the Vocational Education and Training system aimed at building a training system that is responsive to the changing needs of Victoria’s industries and workforce.
“We are also developing a Green Jobs Action Plan and are supporting skills programs through Sustainability Victoria, such as a course in energy efficiency for electricians and a course in Home Sustainability Assessment.”
Mr Batchelor said through the Energy Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS), the Brumby Government was investing in the development of a range of clean-energy projects, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) and solar power.
“The Brumby Labor Government has $260 million available to support new large-scale CCS and solar projects – including $100 million for a new solar power station and $50 million for Australia’s largest photovoltaic demonstration plant,” he said.