Electrical Trades Union of Australia

Peter Dutton’s nuclear fantasy will throw ETU members’ jobs in the gutter.    Australia is facing a second industrial revolution. We are moving through the transition from old to new energy.This transition is happening against a backdrop of global and domestic net zero emissions policy, coal fired power station closures, availability of lower priced energy sources and massive changes to how our energy system works. All of this is impacting and will continue to impact ETU members.    The need for a transformation of our energy system is undeniable. And the ETU has been working hard to ensure that this transition provides good, well paid secure jobs for our members.     However, Peter Dutton and the Coalition want nuclear power to have a role in Australia’s energy transition.   The ETU wants to ensure all members are informed and aware of the serious risks nuclear will pose to the jobs of electrical trades workers. That’s why the ETU has created the ETU Nuclear Energy Report for 2024.   This report investigates the feasibility of establishing a nuclear power industry in Australia, by bringing together research from a broad range of experts across academia and industry in areas such as engineering, economics, environmental science, and energy markets.   The report finds that nuclear is not the solution to Australia’s energy needs. It simply is not needed. It is massively more expensive than alternative forms of clean energy. Nuclear cannot be delivered before our coal power stations close. There are a range of technical, environmental, and health challenges involved in nuclear power. Dutton has not proposed any solutions.    Nuclear power is a dangerous and unnecessary distraction from the real decisions that need to be made, and the climate action Australia desperately needs. Click link to read the full report - https://lnkd.in/gmfuyyCs

The Charged Up report from the Centre for New Industry at Per Capita Australia , launched today, finds Australia’s energy transition will require 100,000 new skilled electrical workers by 2050. Australia can train thousands of local electricians for secure, rewarding renewables jobs in an energy transition jobs boom, if we take key steps to avoid a skills shortage that would threaten emissions targets, new research has found. This report comes at a crucial moment for Australia. While more people are starting apprenticeships, we need a robust strategy to build and maintain a skilled electrical workforce to deliver energy transition commitments. The report finds nearly one in two electrical apprentices don’t finish training because of low wages, lack of mentorship and bullying. More training spots and more renewable energy professionals in classrooms, along with industry-led training and mentoring, can provide good, secure jobs to a bigger, more diverse workforce. “We are on the cusp of a jobs boom in renewables, but we risk squandering it because we aren’t training enough electrical apprentices or creating secure, rewarding paths for skilled renewable energy workers. The government must act now to secure our energy future. The steps this report identifies are investments in Australia’s future industries, investments in the next generation of skilled trades, and investments in the future of energy regions.” – ETU National Secretary Michael Wright #chargedup #supportapprentices

The Electrical Trades Union congratulates Assistant National Secretary Trevor Gauld on his appointment to the role of Deputy Jobs and Skills Commissioner by Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles and Commissioner Barney Glover. As an official with the Union, he has worked in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Australia-wide – first as National Policy Officer then as Assistant National Secretary. Trevor has a proven track record of productive collaboration with government and private sector stakeholders in the interests of working people.  “Trevor is a unique individual, bringing together a strong trade background, with an unstinting work ethic, a keen policy mind, and a strong moral compass. Delivering skilled workforces for the energy transition is a central challenge facing Australia, and Trevor is singularly suited to this role ensuring our nation rises to the challenge.” - ETU National Secretary Michael Wright We thank Trevor for his service to ETU members and wish him every success in the role of Deputy Commissioner from October.

Today Ministers Brendan O'Connor and Chris Bowen have announced and expansion to the New Energy Apprenticeships Program (NEAP). The program will be expanded to include apprentices who do not work entirely in clean energy, opening the door to trainees from a wider array of occupations. This means more electrical apprentices will now be eligible for the $10,000 NEAP payment. ETU members have been pushing for this important change. A massive congratulations to ETU members on this union win. https://lnkd.in/gb-mPztj

With years of hands‐on experience across the construction, mining and oil and gas industries, Sarah Brunton now dedicates herself to nurturing and advocating for the next wave of electrical trades professionals. “As the first national technical officer at the Electrical Trades Union of Australia, I take immense pride in this accomplishment, particularly as a woman." https://lnkd.in/gYdT9iHA #construction #electrical #constructionindustry

We sat down with Michael Wright, National Secretary at Electrical Trades Union of Australia and PSO board member, to explore why electricians are at the forefront of shaping our society and the benefits for those entering the energy sector. From problem-solving outdoors to leading the charge for a greener future, discover the passion driving these tradespeople forward as they play a vital role in powering sustainable solutions for tomorrow. #PSO #PoweringSkillsOrganisation #energysector #EnergyAustralia #EnergyWorkforce #Electrical #Gas #Renewables #EnergyTransition

Electrical work must be performed by an electrical license holder. We cannot have a situation where this work is being performed by unqualified workers and putting workers safety and community safety at risk. ETU members have spoken out to the ABC about the safety concerns and work insecurity that exists in the renewable energy sector. They have spoken out about the pressure being put on non-electrical workers to perform electrical work as part of the 88-day Visa program and the heavy use of labour-hire rather than providing permanent employment. We need safe, well paid, good union jobs for electrical trade workers as we move forward into the renewable transition. It's not good enough that this important work is being performed by unqualified workers because employers are cutting corners. ETU National Secretary Michael Wright told the ABC - "We've come across the electrical licensing laws being breached by backpackers and other non-electrical workers doing work that is particularly high risk." We need more apprentices coming into our trades and completing their apprenticeship. We need more qualified electrical workers. Not electrical work being done by workers who don't hold an electrical license. Read the full ABC news story here - https://lnkd.in/gZ58ygrZ