- Published:
- Thursday 22 October 2026
The Carroll Labor Government is backing a new generation of electricians to build Victoria’s energy future – with secure jobs delivering cheaper power.
The SEC will partner with NECA Education & Careers and the Electrical Trades Union to launch the pilot, giving 40 electrical apprentices a start in secure, skilled careers.
Expressions of interest will open in the coming weeks, with the first apprentices starting early next year ahead of the Academy’s in the first quarter of 2027.
The Academy will be Victoria’s largest electrical apprenticeship training program – supporting 2,000 apprentices over four years to build the workforce Victoria needs to deliver cheaper power.
Victoria’s energy workforce is expected to grow from around 45,000 workers today to 68,000 by 2040.
Demand will be particularly strong for electricians, plumbers and other skilled workers needed for network upgrades, home electrification and electric vehicle infrastructure.
The number of electricians working in Victoria’s energy sector is projected to grow by more than 90 per cent from 2026, reaching around 8,500 workers by 2040.
Across metropolitan Melbourne, the energy sector is expected to support almost 35,000 workers by 2040.
Around 37 per cent of Victoria’s energy jobs will be in regional Victoria.
Jobs supporting home battery installations are projected to almost triple to around 2,600 workers and jobs supporting electric vehicle infrastructure are expected to quadruple to around 14,300 workers by 2040.
When Jeff Kennett’s Liberals sold off the SEC, they shredded thousands of secure jobs.
Now Jess Wilson’s One Nation-Liberal Coalition wants to cut the SEC and rip up renewable energy investment – costing thousands of Victorian jobs and driving up power bills.
Labor is investing in the workers and energy projects Victoria needs to keep the lights on and bring bills down.
To find out more visit: secapprenticeshipacademy.necaeducation.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes
“Labor brought back the SEC to build Victoria’s energy future, create secure jobs and bring power back into public hands – now we’re getting ready to open the SEC Apprenticeship Academy to train the workers to deliver it.”
“Victoria needs more electricians to connect new energy projects, install batteries and help households bring down their bills – we’re backing Victorians to do those jobs.”
“The Liberals sold off the SEC and destroyed thousands of jobs. Labor brought it back to create secure careers and deliver cheaper, reliable power – Jess Wilson would put all of that at risk.”
Quote attributable to NECA Education & Careers CEO Gideon Perrott,
“Victoria’s renewable energy rollout is creating huge demand for electricians – this Academy will give more Victorians the skills to turn that opportunity into a career.”
Quote attributable to ETU Victoria President Danny Filazzola
“The ETU understands that strong training and good jobs for the next generation of electricians are essential and this Academy will help Victorian apprentices earn while they learn and build a secure future for the State.”