Free battery training powers national skills partnership

Battery storage is an important part of Australia's sustainable energy future, creating growing demand for a skilled workforce capable of designing and installing battery systems.

According to the Clean Energy Council, 180,878 rooftop solar systems were installed in the first half of 2026, up 35 per cent on the same period in 2025. While battery installations also surged, with 276,011 installed over the same period, which is 52 per cent more than in the previous six months.

To help meet this demand, the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries has partnered with North Metropolitan TAFE to provide eligible licensed electricians in Western Australia with free battery storage training.

Fully funded by the Centre, the Grid-Connected Battery Storage Systems Designer-Installer Skill Set (UEESS00191), delivered by North Metropolitan TAFE, will equip licensed electricians with the knowledge and practical skills needed to design and install grid‑connected battery storage systems.

The program has already been successfully running in Queensland, led by TAFE Queensland, and the Centre is proud to be expanding the funded training opportunity to professionals in Western Australia.

The partnership combines the Centre's national leadership in battery workforce development with North Metropolitan TAFE's local training expertise to support growing industry demand for qualified battery storage designer-installers.

The Centre's Executive Director Shawn O'Sullivan said the partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration across the National TAFE Network.

"Our Centre's making specialist battery training free and accessible, ensuring electricians in Queensland and Western Australia can build the skills needed to meet growing demand for battery installation expertise," Mr O'Sullivan said.

"Building a safe and skilled battery workforce requires strong partnerships and our Centre's excited to be working with North Metropolitan TAFE, in a partnership that highlights the role TAFEs can play in sharing expertise, expanding access to training opportunities and building workforce capability at a national scale."

Mark Mahon, Executive Director Profile Product and Pathways at North Metropolitan TAFE welcomed the collaboration and the opportunities it will create for Western Australian electricians.

"Battery storage is playing an increasingly important role in Australia's energy future, and industry is seeking electricians with the specialised skills needed to design and install these systems. This initiative will help expand Western Australia's skilled workforce and support the growing demand for battery storage expertise across the state," Mr Mahon said.

"Partnering with the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries allows us to connect Western Australian electricians with nationally recognised training that reflects the latest industry standards and technologies. It is a strong example of how the TAFE network can work together to address emerging workforce needs and share specialist expertise."

"With this training fully funded by the Centre, we're able to deliver it at no cost to participants, removing a significant barrier to professional development and making it easier for licensed electricians to build in-demand skills. Participants will gain practical knowledge that can support career growth while helping industry meet the increasing demand for qualified battery storage professionals."

Together, the Centre and North Metropolitan TAFE are helping build the skilled workforce needed to support Australia's transition to a more sustainable energy future, while supporting licensed electricians to broaden their skills and increase their earning potential as they meet growing industry demand.