The Clean Energy Council (CEC) will introduce a Clean Energy Workforce Reference Group to engage in genuine discussion on employment practices and outcomes across the Australian clean energy workforce.
The establishment of the Clean Energy Workforce Reference Group was agreed at a roundtable hosted by the CEC on 2 June 2020.
The event brought together 12 leaders from across renewable energy businesses and broader industry, unions, education and training institutions, skills forecasting agencies, and academia to explore the opportunities and challenges facing the clean energy workforce.
The Clean Energy Workforce Reference Group will be chaired by CEC Chair and Pacific Hydro Chief Executive, Rachel Watson.
“The renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, and it is a crucial time to take stock of industry and workforce needs,” said CEC Chief Executive, Kane Thornton.
“Clean energy jobs must include a focus on safety, well-being and sustainability for Australians and Australian communities. This is needed to deliver the ongoing social licence to operate and to broaden the support for the energy transition.”
Mr Thornton said the CEC is stepping up its efforts to raise standards for workers and communities and maintain integrity within the industry while accelerating the uptake of clean energy.
“Our role in managing accreditation of solar installers has driven more stringent standards and increased training and support for installers. A broader approach is also needed in large-scale generation, and this group will help to understand what is needed to fortify a dynamic and skilled workforce to support a strong clean energy sector,” he said.
The Clean Energy Workforce Reference Group will meet regularly, working collaboratively to achieve outcomes that serve the collective interests and that strengthen support for Australian clean energy.
