Cross-country partnership supports free battery storage training in WA

The initiative has seen the first Western Australian cohort complete the Grid-Connected Battery Storage Systems Designer-Installer Skill Set (UEESS00191), fully funded by the Centre and delivered through North Metropolitan TAFE.

The program is helping build the workforce needed to support Australia's growing battery storage industry and has already been successfully running in Queensland, led by TAFE Queensland.

Fully funded by the Centre and delivered by North Metropolitan TAFE in Western Australia, the four-day course equipped licensed electricians with the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to design and install grid-connected battery storage systems to support household, business and community energy solutions.

The partnership combines the Centre's national leadership in battery workforce development with North Metropolitan TAFE's local training expertise, creating accessible and industry-responsive training opportunities at no cost for licensed electricians.

Executive Director of TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries, Shawn O'Sullivan, said the first Western Australian cohort represents a significant milestone in the Centre's partnership with North Metropolitan TAFE and the national expansion of the pilot program.

"This initiative delivers benefits on multiple fronts. We're proud to partner with North Metropolitan TAFE to deliver high-quality training, support licensed electricians to access these skills at no cost, and help address the growing demand for battery storage specialists as Australia's renewable energy sector continues to expand," he said.

North Metropolitan TAFE Executive Director of Product and Pathways Mark Mahon said the training reflects the growing demand for specialist skills as Australia's energy sector evolves.

"As battery storage technology becomes increasingly important to homes, businesses and communities, it's essential that electricians have access to contemporary training that reflects industry needs. Through this partnership, North Metropolitan TAFE is helping build the workforce capability needed to support Western Australia's clean energy future," he said.

Among the first cohort was Jiah, who attended the training through his employer and believes battery storage training should become a standard part of industry education.

"This skill set should be added to general training as solar and battery are becoming more usual in the domestic market and we should keep up to date with safety knowledge."

Jiah also highlighted the value of being able to access free training.

"The course is fully funded, which means more money available for my employer to invest in other training opportunities for me."

For small business owner Joel, the training provided an opportunity to stay ahead of emerging technologies while growing his business.

"I enrolled so I could expand my skills, keep current with the next tech and grow my business. One of the key things I learnt is how much solar and batteries are moving the market. I now feel confident in the installation of solar batteries," he said.

Joel said the fully funded course was particularly beneficial for small business owners, who often face lost income when undertaking professional development.

"It's great that the training is free. As the owner-operator of a small business, I don't get paid when I do extra training, so having the fees covered helps offset the losses incurred while I am away from the business."

The Centre's programs and partnerships are helping ensure the workforce has the capabilities needed to support Australia's clean energy transition.

Watch to learn more about the skill set at TAFE Queensland.