A new initiative is set to improve training for the construction industry, focusing on the design and construction of energy-efficient, 7-star rated and all-electric homes across the country. The programme aims to equip the workforce with the skills needed to build the homes of the future.
The Renewable Homes Construction Programme provides free training on how to design, build or retrofit homes to improve energy efficiency. It includes training on the updated National Construction Code 2022 (NCC), which comes into force on 1 May 2024 and will improve living standards by making homes more comfortable, accessible and less expensive to heat and cool. This update is expected to help residents save more than $4,200 on their energy bills.
The Home Efficiency Construction Roadshows, organised by Solar Victoria in partnership with Master Builders Victoria and the Housing Industry Association, will be held at various locations across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton, Echuca, Mildura, Albury, Bright, Mansfield and Gippsland. These roadshows will cover topics such as Passive House principles, solar design, condensation prevention, air tightness and energy efficient building techniques and materials.
In addition, the Net Zero Homes Skills Training Program provides online modules on home energy efficiency, thermal performance and net zero energy design and construction. The Efficient Home Design and Construction training, available later this year, will address key challenges in designing and building energy efficient homes.
To meet the growing demand for rooftop solar and heat pump hot water systems, the programme also includes the Upskilling for Electricians initiative. This will provide free training for 400 electricians in the design and installation of solar PV and battery storage systems, saving approximately $2,000 to $4,500 in course fees. Free training for plumbers and fourth year apprentices in the design and installation of energy efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems will be available later this year.
For more information on the free training, visit solar.vic.gov.au/renewable-homes-construction-training.