TAFE Victoria is set to offer free training to all Solar Home installers in a bid to ensure the safety of workers in the growing solar industry.
Minister for Solar Homes, Lily D’Ambrosio announced the $9 million training and development package at the Moorabin campus of the Holmesglen Institute of TAFE and met with workers enrolled in the two-day safety course.
“Work Safely in the Solar Industry is cost-free to students at Holmesglen Institute, Chisholm Institute, TAFE Gippsland and The Gordon Institute, as part of a comprehensive, subsidised training package for the solar industry,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“From 1 July, all solar workers involved in installations as part of the Solar Homes program must have completed or be enrolled in the training unit” she said.
“The training covers common safety hazards that can occur while working on roofs, including ways to protect against falls, and identifying and reporting asbestos.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said the course would be a refresher for some solar workers but for others it may be the first time they’ve received formal safety training.
She said the training and development package also helped solar businesses through the provision of a free business mentoring program, intended to assist them in identifying new opportunities to become more efficient.
