Victoria's plumbing industry is being upgraded to meet the growing demand for energy efficient technologies in homes. The Andrews Labor Government has partnered with the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) to launch a specialised training program in the design and installation of energy efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio unveiled the new training program, which has been well received. Around 200 plumbers and fourth year plumbing apprentices have signed up for the course, which will run until November 2023, following a successful pilot program last year.
The program is part of Solar Victoria's $11 million Training and Workforce Development Initiative, which aims to grow the state's clean energy workforce and provide the skills needed to take advantage of jobs in the growing renewable energy sector. Qualified plumbers and fourth year plumbing apprentices are encouraged to participate in the training.
Victoria's Solar Hot Water Rebate program has seen a significant increase in the number of Victorians claiming the $1,000 rebate to replace their hot water systems with solar hot water or energy efficient heat pump systems. A new streamlined digital application portal was launched this week, making it easier and faster for customers to apply for the rebate.
In line with the shift towards cheaper and more energy efficient technologies, the programme will no longer fund gas-fired hot water systems. As hot water is the second largest energy consumer in the home, switching to solar or a heat pump can save households up to $400 a year on their electricity bills.
Through the $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program, Victoria has reduced its carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes, helping the state move towards electrification and meet its emissions reduction target of 75-80% by 2035, with the aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2045.
For more information on training courses visit solar.vic.gov.au/upskilling-plumbers
and to apply for solar hot water rebate visit solar.vic.gov.au/solar-hot-water-rebate .