Urgent warning issued to Australia about a national crisis that’s looming due to a dire tradie shortage

Experts warn that implementation of the lessons in classrooms must start now to ensure Australia has enough skilled workers to support this century’s economy.

A report published on Wednesday by think tank Per Capita’s Centre for New Industry found that Australia will need almost 100,000 extra skilled electricians by 2050.

But there aren’t enough classrooms or trainers to train the electrical workforce of the future, as training centers are overcrowded and there is an unprecedented labor shortage.

According to the Charged Up report, commissioned by the Electrical Trades Union, the predicted shortfall threatens basic energy security and puts Australia’s climate commitments at risk.

“We are not doing a bad job, we currently have 170,000 electricians and a skilled workforce,” said Michael Wright, ETU national secretary.

But Australia was not prepared for electrification and net-zero energy construction, coupled with demands for more housing and defence programs, he told AAP.

“This is not business as usual. This is not just a step change, this is a generational shift,” Mr. Wright said.

The federal government’s $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia plan also relies on more electricians, but students already have to wait 18 months before they can get into a classroom.

Women make up only two percent of qualified professionals (stock image)

Meanwhile, there is “neglect and turmoil” in the renewable energy sector as major energy companies fail to invest in apprentices,” he said.

‘We see in particular that solar energy yields more than it yields in terms of training… massive employment of backpackers who stay there for a longer period of time.’

To expand renewable energy production beyond domestic needs, an additional 42,500 electricians will be needed this decade.

But nearly half of Australian electrical apprentices drop out due to low pay, lack of guidance and bullying in toxic workplaces, the report found.

“Ordering workers is not like ordering solar panels… it requires that human dimension,” Wright said.

Young women in particular need safer workplaces, including appropriate protective equipment and separate toilets with sanitary bins.

It is a “disgrace” that women make up only two percent of qualified professionals, he said.

The country also cannot rely on immigration alone, he said, as every advanced economy is looking for skilled workers to install clean energy, battery supply chains and other advanced technologies.

Emma Dawson, head of Per Capita, said workforce readiness is a crucial but neglected part of the energy transition.

“Australia can become a renewable energy powerhouse, but we need a large workforce to make that happen,” she said.

The report recommended a swift response, including requiring that projects receiving taxpayer money must be spent on students and benefit local communities.

A new position of Clean Energy Jobs Commissioner could ensure the clean energy transition creates safe, well-paid jobs by working with industry, unions and governments.

Australia will need almost 100,000 extra skilled electricians by 2050, according to a new report

Renewable energy professionals were encouraged to teach essential skills in the classroom, and there was increased investment in TAFEs and industry-led programs.

Otherwise, regions, people entering the labour market and current workers could be left behind, while other countries become more prosperous.

Multimillionaire entrepreneur Dick Smith is urging young Australians to choose a trade instead of studying at university.

The businessman said Australia needs more skilled workers as record population growth fuelled by immigration further exacerbates the housing crisis.

“A skilled worker can make very good money, especially if he or she starts their own business,” Mr Smith told Daily Mail Australia.

‘My local electrician is a millionaire. He’s done really well. And so a professional who starts his own business can do incredibly well in Australia.

“I think someone with a trade degree is more likely to be able to start their own business and employ their own people than someone with an art degree.”