Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has called on governments at all levels to work with industry to address the looming shortfall of electrical apprentices that threatens to cripple the sector.

The Powering Skills Organisation, one of the Federal Government’s 10 Jobs and Skill Councils, has unveiled alarming new data indicating a shortfall of 17,000 electricians, mechanics and technicians by 2030 as the nation transitions to net zero.

In addition to increased sector demand, the report highlights the problem is compounded by only a 60 per cent completion rate in electrical apprentices.

MEA CEO Kate Raymond said workforce shortages are already a real issue for small and medium electrical businesses and will only worsen if nothing is done to arrest the tide.

“MEA hears all the time from our small and medium-sized members how workforce shortages are impacting their business. We can’t keep sitting on our hands on this matter, the industry and government need to work together to come up with new and innovate solutions,” Ms Raymond said.

“Electrical contractors are going to play a crucial role in Australia’s energy transition and their demand is only going increase between now and 2030. If we are to safeguard the Australian economy, we need an electrical workforce that is well-trained and has the capacity to service the sector.”

Ms Raymond said that while there was no silver bullet there are some practical measures that would start the process of reversing the current trend.

“We also have a lot of qualified contractors and apprentices currently working for large energy corporations. Measures that unlock some of these workers to be seconded to small and medium businesses operating in the residential market would help in the short-term.

“An increase in apprentices being trained by the top performing Registered Training Organisations would help boost the industry. We also need more trainers to increase the capacity we have to rebuild the workforce,” Ms Raymond said

“This problem is not going to go away on its own and we need a dynamic approach from industry and government to ensure we have an electrical workforce that caters to the Australian economy during the energy transition.”

Kate Raymond is available for interview.

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