Supporting women in solar

Women are significantly under-represented in the solar energy industry and in trades more generally.

Read about how we are supporting women through initiatives that include career mentoring, apprenticeships and providing businesses with recruitment support.

Career mentoring for women in solar energy

We funded Australian Women in Solar Energy (AWISE) to deliver a mentorship program to support women working in various roles in the solar industry across Victoria.

Its aim is to grow and retain the number of women working in solar energy by providing tailored career advice, support and networking opportunities women through individual and group sessions with industry leaders.

This initiative ends in June 2025. Read more about Career mentoring for women in the solar energy industry.

Apprenticeships for women

We engaged Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria through Master Plumbers to attract and support six women for two years as mechanical services plumbing apprentices and air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic apprentices.

We also delivered electrical apprenticeships for women through group training organisations, Apprenticeships Group Australia (AGA) and AiGroup.

In total, 26 electrical apprentices were employed over the life of the initiative with around five remaining.

More skilled tradespeople are needed to meet a surge in consumer demand for energy efficient technology in their homes - and partnering with the plumbing and electrical industry made it easier to attract and retain women in the industry.

This initiative helped address the skilled worker shortages whilst promoting gender diversity in the trades. Participants were supported with financial incentives for the first two years of their apprenticeship, including a tool allowance and fully funded accredited training. Host employers benefited from 50% discount on hire costs, and assistance with administration.

Christine Kennedy is a passionate advocate for women in the solar industry. When she heard about this initiative, she jumped at the chance to employ two solar electrical apprentices.

Workforce recruitment support for renewable energy businesses

We supported the placement of 13 new female recruits in six renewable energy manufacturing businesses in Melbourne with delivery partner Maxima. All have faced barriers to securing employment.

New employees supported through this project are now working across a range of roles, from entry-level to more advanced, for a minimum of 12 months or more.

Read more about workforce recruitment support for renewable energy businesses.

Useful resources and networking events

We encourage women in solar and those considering a career in solar to reach out for support, advice and resources from established and respected organisations.

Among those committed to growing a community that encourages women to join and be successful in the solar industry are:;

• Australian Women in Solar Energy (AWISE)
• Clean Energy Council Women in Renewables
• Tradeswomen Australia

In early 2025, AWISE will run a networking event for women working in the solar and renewable energy industry.

Please revisit our website or subscribe to our industry newsletter to be informed of events throughout the year.