Australia’s clean energy industries are benefitting from a skilled workforce boost, with Australians showing strong interest in the Albanese Labor Government’s $10,000 incentives for new apprentices in clean energy trades. 

26,826 apprentices have commenced in a New Energy Apprenticeship since the initiative launched in 2023, now part of the Key Apprenticeship Program.

These apprentices are strengthening the pipeline of workers in emerging industries including solar, automotive and smart technology – and are getting the backing to not only kickstart their apprenticeship but complete it.  

The Key Apprenticeship Program provides eligible apprentices with financial support of up to $10,000 over the course of their training, helping them with cost-of-living pressures and boosting the workforce in sectors vital to Australia’s energy transition.

Data from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations shows:

• the top sectors for new energy apprenticeships were: 
  • solar – 8,815 apprenticeships (32.9 per cent of commencements);
  • smart technology – 5,717 apprenticeships (21.3 per cent); and 
  • automotive – 4,680 apprenticeships (17.4 per cent);
• 60 per cent of the apprenticeships are in small businesses; and
• 31 per cent are working in regional or remote communities.

Amy Mathers is one of the 1,086 women to take up a New Energy Apprenticeship in a traditionally male-dominated trade – making up 5.5 per cent of apprenticeships in the Program.

Amy, 18, a First Nations Australian from Canberra, began her automotive technician apprenticeship in February this year with John McGrath Auto Group. She is fulfilling her dream of working with cars, focusing on electric vehicles. 

“An apprenticeship can set you up for life,” she said. “You can build your skills and knowledge. It’s something everyone should consider when leaving school,” Amy said.

Andrew Ebrahim, a 32-year-old electrical apprentice from Sydney is also benefitting from the incentive. He started with Ausgrid in January this year. 

Andrew said he chose his apprenticeship due to the hands-on nature and practical problem-solving skills required. 

“Apprenticeships are important because they offer a strong mix of hands-on experience, real workplace learning, and study at TAFE,” he said. 

“They also help build the skilled trades Australia needs, while giving people a solid career path and a chance to learn on the job.” 

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Apprenticeship take up through New Energy Apprenticeships is strong across Australia. As at 1 July 2026, apprenticeships under the Program were:

• Queensland – 7,975
• Victoria – 7,004
• New South Wales – 4,472
• Western Australia – 2,990
• South Australia – 2,906
• Tasmania – 700
• Australian Capital Territory – 583
• Northern Territory – 193.