Safety is a key priority in the delivery of the Solar Homes Program. As the program rolls out, increased demand for solar generates more work. The increased demand creates more installations for existing workers and brings new workers into the solar industry for the first time.
A level playing field is required so that all workers have a consistent level of knowledge and skills to do their job safely and to a high standard.
We also expect authorised retailers in our program to meet their OHS obligations by providing all necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure installers work safely and without risks to health.
The Victorian Government is providing free (for eligible workers) the skill set 22657VIC Working safely on rooftop renewable energy systems. It comprises:
| Unit code | Unit | Do you have to complete this unit? |
|---|---|---|
| VE23631* | Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems | YES – this unit is mandatory for all workers, including those installing solar hot water or heat pump systems on rooftops. Complete this unit first. |
| CPCWHS1001 | Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (White Card). | Yes – this unit is mandatory for all workers. Apply for credit if you have already completed this unit. |
| WHS2001 | Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry. | Recommended. Apply for credit if you have already completed this unit. |
| CPCCCM2012 (or RIIWHS204E) | Work safely at heights | Recommended. Apply for credit if you have already completed this unit. |
| HLTAID011 | Provide first aid | Recommended. Apply for credit if you have already completed this unit. |
*VE23631 unit covers:
- Preparing to work in the solar industry safely.
- Planning and preparing for solar installation.
- Evaluating work area requirements including safely working at heights.
- Accessing the solar installation work area safely.
- Performing and completing non-electrical solar installation work tasks.
Who has to complete safety training
Completing VU23631 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems unit is mandatory for on-site installers and other on-site workers in the Solar Homes Program. This includes:
- solar PV and battery installers
- all licensed and registered plumbers installing solar hot water or heat pump systems on rooftops.
- apprentices
- trade assistants.
VU23631 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems supersedes VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry. If you have previously completed VU22744, you do not need to complete VU23631.
We recommend installers complete all units in the 22657VIC Working safely on rooftop renewable energy systems accredited course, in addition to the two mandatory units listed above.
Participants who exit the 22657VIC accredited course without completing all five units will receive a Statement of Attainment from the training provider which lists the successfully completed units.
Experienced workers may be eligible for credit towards this course through credit transfers for units already completed, recognition of prior learning for similar units and on the job learning or recognition of current competence. Contact a participating training provider to discuss the options.
Plumbers who work with Solar Victoria retailers can apply for Master Plumbers CPD points for all units in 22657VIC. See the Master Plumbers website for the allocation of Master Plumbers CPD points.
Solar safety training is also available free of charge to workers who maintain and clean solar PV panels. While not mandatory for these workers, completing the training will help contribute to a safe working environment for all.
How to enrol
To enrol, first find a participating training provider on the Victorian Skills Gateway.
After completing all steps to enrol, keep an eye on your emails (and sometimes your junk or spam folder). Your chosen training provider will use email as the main way to communicate with you.
For help with your enrolment, please contact your chosen training provider directly.
Training in regional Victoria
Mobile training is also available from August to December 2024 across regional Victoria to complete the mandatory VU2361 Work safely on roofs with renewable energy systems unit with the Solar Training Centre (RTO #40352).
Current training dates and locations:
- Traralgon – Thursday 18 July 2024
- Bendigo – Tueday 17 September 2024
- Shepparton – Wednesday 18 September 2024
- Wodonga – Thursday 19 September 2024
- Ballarat – Tuesday 24 September 2024
- Geelong – Wednesday 25 September 2024
To enrol or register your interest in a preferred location, please go to the Solar Training Centre (STC) website. STC will be back in touch to confirm details once scheduled.
Minimum student numbers are needed for this training to run and other regional locations may be scheduled if this requirement is met.
STC will provide students with online theory materials to work through prior to attending the practical on-site aspect of the unit. Students will have a minimum of one week to complete the materials and will need to submit completed theory five days prior to the on-site practical training. The on-site training in a simulated work environment will take 3 to 4 hours to complete.
Our commitment
We are investing $11 million to deliver a comprehensive training and workforce development program for solar and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning industry workers to have the skills and capabilities needed to deliver our programs and support growth.
Boosting training and workforce development will ensure Victoria has an ongoing supply of skilled workers to support growth in the renewable and clean energy sector.
More information
Please contact your preferred training provider with any questions about this training and how to enrol.
For general enquiries about our training and workforce development program, please email industrytraining@team.solar.vic.gov.au or visit Training and workforce development.
Training and workforce development
We are investing $11 million to deliver a comprehensive training and workforce development package. Learn how you can upskill for free or at low-cost to help grow Victoria’s clean energy workforce.
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