The new 2020 Skills Forecast for Electrotechnology has been released with focus on climate change – 60,000 new jobs in renewable energy are estimated to be created – Solar and transitioning to more energy-efficient low GWP natural refrigerants in air conditioning.

(from the report) Renewable energy technologies and natural refrigerants
There has been growing uptake in solar installations and this is anticipated to double by the mid2020s.18 Storage solutions for renewable electricity capture continue to diversify, improve efficiency, and lower prices.19 This has led to increased growth and adoption of solar panel and battery arrays across Australia.20 Renewable technologies are projected to create more than 60,000 jobs in the next decade.21 As these technologies develop further, Electrotechnology workers will need the necessary skills for the installation and maintenance of solar systems.
The decision to reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions from 1 January 2018 onward, also has implications for the Electrotechnology industry workforce. The government has set a target to reduce HFC emissions by 85% by 2036. Alternative refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) are eco-friendly, but also create a range of risks for the workers engaged with them as they are more flammable, toxic or operate at extremely high pressures. The UEE electrotechnology Training Package Release 2 will contain updated Refrigeration and Air Conditioning qualifications, Skill Sets and Unit of Competency that covers these alternative refrigerants. Skill development across the Electrotechnology workforce will be needed to ensure understanding and knowledge of the associated risks with new technologies and to ensure adequate safety training in the operation, installation and maintenance of these updated systems.

Superior Training Centre is at the cutting edge with training for electricians in Solar panel Installation (and soon Battery Installation) as well as handling flammable refrigerants in air conditioning – way ahead of the new training package.