The Victorian Government is making significant strides to ensure the construction industry is well-equipped to design and build energy-efficient, 7-star rated, and all-electric homes across the state. This initiative aims to provide the necessary training and skills for the workforce to build the homes of the future, ensuring sustainability and cost-efficiency for homeowners.
Introduction to the Renewable Homes Construction Program
On a mission to enhance the energy efficiency of homes, the Victorian Government has introduced the Renewable Homes Construction program. This program offers free training for professionals in the construction industry, focusing on building, designing, or retrofitting homes to achieve higher energy efficiency standards. It also includes training on the new National Construction Code 2022 (NCC), which was implemented on 1 May 2024. The NCC has raised living standards, making homes more comfortable, accessible, and cost-effective to maintain, helping Victorians save over $4,200 on their energy bills.
Home Efficiency Construction Roadshows
The Home Efficiency Construction Roadshows, a collaborative effort between Solar Victoria, Master Builders Victoria, and the Housing Industry Association, are being conducted across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Locations include Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton, Echuca, Mildura, Albury, Bright, Mansfield, and Gippsland. These roadshows, starting this week, cover essential topics such as passive house principles, solar design, avoiding condensation, air tightness, energy-efficient appliances, and construction techniques and materials for better energy efficiency.
Comprehensive Training Initiatives
Several training initiatives are part of the program to cater to various aspects of energy-efficient home construction:
- Net Zero Homes Skills Training: Available through online modules, this training covers the principles of residential energy efficiency, thermal performance, and net zero energy design and construction.
- Efficient Home Design and Construction Training: Scheduled to be delivered later this year through short modules, this training addresses key issues in designing and constructing energy-efficient homes.
Upskilling Electricians and Plumbers
With the increasing demand for rooftop solar and heat pump hot water systems in Victoria, the Government is also focusing on upskilling electricians and plumbers. The Upskilling for Electricians program offers free training for 400 electricians to become accredited designers and installers of solar PV and battery storage systems, saving them approximately $2,000-$4,500 on course fees. Additionally, another round of free training for plumbers and fourth-year plumbing apprentices to design and install energy-efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems will be available later this year.
Conclusion
Victoria's comprehensive approach to training its construction workforce underscores the state's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. By equipping builders, electricians, and plumbers with the right skills, the Government aims to create a future where energy-efficient, all-electric homes are the norm, significantly reducing emissions and lowering energy costs for residents. For more information on these free training courses, interested individuals can visit solar.vic.gov.au/renewable-homes-construction-training.
Article information source: Solar Victoria - New industry training to make energy efficient homes