MEA warns of upcoming electrician shortage

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has responded to new data released by the Powering Skills Organisation indicating there will be a shortfall of 17,000 electricians, mechanics and technicians by 2030 as the nation transitions to net zero. The Powering Skills Organisation is one of the Australian Government’s 10 Jobs and Skill Councils.

The report emphasises that the problem is compounded by a low completion rate of 60% in electrical apprenticeships.

MEA CEO Kate Raymond said workforce shortages are already a real issue for small and medium electrical businesses and will only worsen if nothing is done to arrest the tide.

“MEA hears all the time from our small and medium-sized members how workforce shortages are impacting their business. We can’t keep sitting on our hands on this matter; the industry and government need to work together to come up with new and innovate solutions,” Raymond said.

“Electrical contractors are going to play a crucial role in Australia’s energy transition and their demand is only going to increase between now and 2030. If we are to safeguard the Australian economy, we need an electrical workforce that is well trained and has the capacity to service the sector.”

Raymond said that while there was no silver bullet, there are some practical measures that would start the process of reversing the current trend.

“We … have a lot of qualified contractors and apprentices currently working for large energy corporations. Measures that unlock some of these workers to be seconded to small and medium businesses operating in the residential market would help in the short term,” she suggested.

Raymond added that an increase in apprentices being trained by the top-performing registered training organisations would help boost the industry, and that more trainers were also needed.

“This problem is not going to go away on its own and we need a dynamic approach from industry and government to ensure we have an electrical workforce that caters to the Australian economy during the energy transition,” she said.

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