Clean economy (including circular economy)

Victoria’s transition to a clean economy with net zero emissions is creating new employment and skilling opportunities in areas like onshore and offshore wind, utility-scale energy storage, electric vehicle recharging infrastructure, circular production, reuse and recycling, and critical minerals production.

Distributed energy resources and zero emissions vehicles charging infrastructure and energy upgrades will require a diverse workforce including electricians, plumbers, and airconditioning and refrigeration mechanics.

Emerging jobs in the clean economy include electric vehicle technicians, sustainability consultants, battery design specialists and energy engineers.

To support the clean economy workforce, the Victorian Government will offer (from 2027) new renewable energy qualifications to students undertaking vocational education in schools, including the Certificate III in Renewable Energy Pathways and Certificate II in Renewable Energy Technologies and Applications.

The Victorian Government is also establishing a Wind Worker Training Centre that will deliver training for the onshore and offshore wind sectors.

Occupations in demand in the clean economy

Source: Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (2023), Clean Economy Workforce Development Strategy, 2023–2033; Jobs and Skills Australia (2023), The Clean Energy Generation – Workforce needs for a net zero economy.

Emerging occupations in the clean economy

Note: Data are for Australia

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia (2024), Emerging roles.

To meet the skills needs of the renewable energy transition, many existing occupations are evolving

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia (2023), The Clean Energy Generation; Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (2023), Clean Economy Workforce Development Strategy 2023–2033.