With climate change and emissions targets high on the agenda, the clean energy sector has attracted plenty of government investment, with more expected.
This spotlight on the sector provides opportunities for Australian apprentices (including trainees) looking for career pathways in a growing industry, and for employers to future-proof their business.
MEGT can help ensure these opportunities become realities.
MEGT is an Australian not-for-profit business established in 1982, which supports employers, apprentices, trainees, job seekers and students.
With experienced field teams operating from more than 50 locations across Australia, MEGT delivers flexible support and advice to both apprentices and employers at a local level.
MEGT has helped more than 700,000 apprentices and trainees complete their qualifications, and more than 250,000 business develop their workforce.
Ja Turnbull is MEGT’s National Key Accounts Manager and the State Manager for NSW/ACT and SA/WA.
Speaking to Energy Today, Turnbull outlined the benefits of apprenticeships for both apprentices and employers.
“Apprenticeships are a great way to help build a skilled workforce by attracting and retaining quality staff, he said.
“When you employ an apprentice, they get on-the-job training with the added benefit of undertaking a nationally recognised qualification, be it through Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or another type of Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
“Apprentices bring new energy and perspectives to the workplace, often resulting in increased productivity and improved staff retention. Employing an apprentice provides the opportunity for senior staff to develop as leaders and is a great way to build a pipeline of skilled workers”.
Turnbull also pointed out the unique benefits apprentices can bring to the clean energy sector.
“The government is heavily investing in the clean energy space,” he said.
“Apprentices who commence a clean energy qualification pathway may potentially be eligible for a $10,000 payment from the federal government.”
Addressing skills shortages
Apprenticeships play a major role in addressing the skills shortage and future needs of the clean energy sector.
“Occupations such as electrical, fitting and machining, and jobs associated with structural steel face significant skills shortages, and the employment opportunities and future needs in this space are significant”, Turnbull said.
The Clean Energy Generation report issued by Jobs and Skills Australia indicates that there needs to be an increase in workers of about 40 per cent in building and engineering trades by 2050. There’s also labour shortages predicted in chemical, gas, petroleum and power generation from 2030 onwards.
“Building a talent pipeline is certainly one of the top priorities to address the future needs of the Australian workforce.”
MEGT’s role
MEGT ensures that apprentices and employers have the right information and level of support to maximise the likelihood of apprentices completing their qualifications.
“Our role is to facilitate the training contract signing process efficiently, and make sure any financial incentives an employer or apprentice is potentially eligible for are processed in a timely manner”, Turnbull said.
“The work that we do to support each apprentice at the start of their journey is what sets MEGT apart. Our ‘MEGT Get Ready Check’ pre-employment process identifies if there’s any pastoral care, mentoring or other supports that an individual apprentice or employer may need.
“Over the life cycle of the apprenticeship, our team provides tailored pastoral care and mentoring to ensure every apprentice has the best possible support and chance of completion.”
Mr Turnbull said that MEGT’s higher-than-average completion rates meant reduced costs to business, and a stronger future skilled workforce.
“The completion rates for the apprentices and trainees that MEGT works with are well above the national average,” he said.
For more information, visit MEGT.com.au
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