Essential Energy has received a regulatory waiver to launch a dedicated Training Academy to address the growing shortage of skilled workers needed for Australia’s energy transition.
Once fully operational, the Training Academy will provide accredited courses to anyone looking to work in the clean energy sector and will train up to 1000 people a year at a range of regionally-based hubs.
The Training Academy builds on Essential Energy’s reputation as an industry trainer of choice, offering a range of nationally recognised qualifications and micro-credentials, including certificates in renewable energy, electrotechnology, and distribution networks.
Essential Energy has one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution networks covering 95 per cent of NSW.
Essential Energy’s general manager for future skills and capability, Sarah McCullough, said the Training Academy is an important step toward providing the skills needed for the energy transition.
“The Training Academy will create opportunities for people living in or looking to move to regional NSW communities, regardless of experience, gender or background, to build rewarding careers in the energy sector,” she said.
“Delivering hands-on, industry-led training in regional hubs is part of our commitment to enabling the energy transition. It also helps to close the skills gap while supporting our communities to seize new opportunities as the energy landscape evolves.”
Australia’s energy sector is facing a significant workforce challenge, with national modelling showing at least 42,000 additional energy trades workers needed by 2030 and a shortfall of skilled workers of between 10,000 and 19,000 annually.
The demand is especially acute in regional areas where renewable energy projects are being rolled out.
Essential Energy has successfully applied for a waiver from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to allow it to provide contestable training services, paving the way for the Essential Energy Training Academy.
The successful wavier application received 25 letters of support, all citing the need to increase skills training for the burgeoning energy sector in regional NSW.
Essential Energy is already recognised as an award-winning Registered Training Organisation and currently trains more than 500 apprentices and trainees a year.
“Essential Energy’s strong track record in training gives the Training Academy a solid foundation,” McCullough said.
The Training Academy will launch with new courses in July 2026 at its Orange education hub. The full curriculum is expected to be on offer from July 2027 when the Training Academy’s purpose-built, state-of-the-art training facility is opened in Tamworth.
For more information visit essentialenergy.com.au/trainingacademy or contact trainingacademy@essentialenergy.com.au