(Matt in the new clean energy lab.)
This directly supports the Victorian Government’s legislated targets of 65% renewable electricity by 2030 and 95% by 2035, which are driving increased demand for skilled electricians across solar, battery and storage projects statewide
For Matt, the role marks a full circle moment.
He began at Bendigo TAFE more than a decade ago, completing both a pre-apprenticeship and his Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician apprenticeship while employed with a local electrical company.
After several years working as a qualified electrician, he returned to Bendigo TAFE to gain his contractor’s licence, enabling him to establish his own business with a strong focus on renewable energy.
With industry experience building, returning to the classroom as a teacher was a logical next step.
“I thought it’d be a nice transition to get into a classroom and pass on that knowledge. My main drive is to get people involved in the trade and then just see them learn new things and understand more about it,” Matt said.
“Last year I had apprentices. You could teach them new things and see their eyes light up. I thought, how good would that be on a bigger scale with more students?”
Having worked across hundreds of solar and battery projects, Matt has seen how quickly the industry is evolving – and why clean energy skills are becoming essential for electricians.
“There are so many houses, property, even commercial buildings that now have solar or batteries on them. There are so many incentives now from the government to help people get them,” Matt said.
“As a general electrician going to a property, I think 100% it'd be beneficial if you've got some knowledge on how the system's working. The more knowledge you have, the better.”
Matt’s interest in renewables began during his apprenticeship, when his employer started moving into the clean energy sector.
“It all went back to when I was doing my apprenticeship. The employer at the time was getting into that space themselves and wanted someone to take it on board and make it their own. I put my hand up and that’s how I first got involved.
“I just really enjoy what it’s about and the outcome. I’ve had customers tell me how much they’ve saved or how much they’ve stored themselves instead of sending back to the grid. They can see how much they’re making a difference.
“It just excites me – the new technology that’s always advancing and all the different things you can actually do with solar and battery now.”
Matt will deliver training in Bendigo TAFE’s new clean energy lab at Charleston Road Campus, designed to replicate real world working environments.
“It's unreal. We've got multiple solar inverters made up with switchboards so students can get that real life experience – they can see it and they can physically touch it.
“We've even got some rooftop simulations so they can get a feel for actually being on the rooftop handling the panels. There are so many areas that we've covered just in this one room.”
Training in solar and battery technology is available to third-year apprentices undertaking the Certificate III In Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820), with the first cohort commencing in May. Learners will gain practical, job-ready skills, including how to conduct a site survey for grid connected photovoltaic and battery storage systems.
