Today, there are around 45,000 full-time equivalent roles in the energy sector, and that’s expected to grow to around 68,000 in 2040.

The Victorian Energy Jobs Plan sets out how government, industry and education and training providers will work together to build the skilled workforce needed to deliver the renewable energy transition.

VEJP trainer and student

Why do we need an energy jobs plan?

The Victorian Energy Jobs Plan outlines the actions we are taking to develop our energy workforce to support this transition. Importantly, the plan aims to increase visibility and understanding of Victoria’s current and forecast energy workforce.

Through the actions in the plan, we aim to:

  • support more people to enter and excel in the energy workforce, including transitioning workers
  • increase diversity in the energy workforce by supporting underrepresented groups to enter, such as women, people with disabilities and First Peoples
  • identify how Victoria’s education and training sector can support the needs of the current and future energy workforce
  • support local communities across Victoria to benefit from energy sector jobs and skills development
  • improve industry confidence and increase renewable energy investment in Victoria.

Focus areas

graphic of focus areas
Focus areas

Focus area 1: Growing and retaining capacity

1. More people are aware of and attracted to energy sector roles and careers.

2. Employers retain workers by fostering positive and flexible workplace cultures that support career development.

3. Jobs in the energy workforce are accessible for all and represent the diversity of the community.

4. Existing and transitioning workers are supported by incentives and improved skills recognition.

Focus area 2: Building workforce capability

5. People actively seek teaching roles in the energy sector.

6. Student, apprentices and trainees engage with study and complete qualifications.

7. Education offerings and pathways adapt to evolving skills needs.

8. Education pathways from school to the energy workforce are clear and connected.

Focus area 3: Improving confidence and coordination

9. Victoria is the national leader in developing renewable energy skills and workforce.

10. Public and private investment in the energy workforce is driven by clear, consistent, and coordinated renewable energy policies and workforce strategies.

11. Publicy available data provides a clear picture of energy workforce and skills needs.

12. Workforce planning is improved by effective coordination and forward planning of infrastructure projects.

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How was this plan developed?

The Victorian Government undertook a comprehensive consultation approach, engaging with the energy industry, community groups, unions, and the education and training sectors. Direct engagement, in addition to a consultation paper, ensured that stakeholder and rights holder views and ideas were at the forefront throughout the Plan’s development. The Plan is also supported by new workforce projections for Victoria’s energy sector, which give insight into current and future workforce needs.

Page last updated: 23/06/26