A new suite of micro-credentials just launched by E-tec offers exciting pathways into solar installation for New Zealand’s electrical workers.
Designed for registered electricians, electrical engineers and inspectors to gain expertise in grid-connected and stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems, the NZQA-accredited micro-credentials reflect skyrocketing industry demand, and position E-tec – a part of Skills Group – as a leading provider of solar training in Aotearoa.
Mark Eagles, Manager of Quality and Standards at the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ), is hailing the new qualifications as a “milestone” for the sector.
“Offering a nationwide, structured training course for solar, PV and battery design/installation will create a clear pathway for any electrical worker to gain meaningful skills, obtain recognised qualifications and support the growth the industry needs to mitigate climate change,” he says.
E-tec has worked closely with SEANZ to develop the three standalone but stackable micro-credentials, which will be rolled out in Auckland this month, and Christchurch later this year. Depending on demand, other centres around the country may also be added.
E-tec Head of Industry Courses, Bill Sole, says electrical industry employers and wholesalers have been asking the provider to offer solar training for some time, underscoring the growing push towards renewable energy as a crucial tool in tackling climate change.
“We consulted with SEANZ, EWRB and the Workforce Development Council and they all told us of the need for nationally recognised formal credentials. Demand for cheaper and more environmentally-friendly renewable energy is only going to increase and solar systems will play an increasingly important role in fulfilling this demand,” says Bill.
What’s more, from September 1, when the Electrical Workers Registration Board’s (EWRB) new registration requirements come into force, the Solar PV and Battery Storage Systems micro-credentials will be accepted as the New Zealand Qualified Pathway for gaining a Mains Parallel Generation Systems licence endorsement (which includes all solar generation systems connected to the grid).
Until now, formal training credentials for the New Zealand solar industry have only been available in New Plymouth, through WITT, but thanks to E-tec, solar training will now be offered to a much broader audience – and in places of high demand.
“With the construction industry in New Zealand currently struggling, many electrical workers are looking to broaden the range of services they offer, and with Skills Group training hubs across the country, we hope to make this training easily accessible to electricians nationwide.”
Skills Group Director Trades School Di Lithgow is expecting the training to prove extremely popular thanks to the quality and convenience of E-tec’s courses and the growing appetite for solar energy.
“Each micro-credential involves self-paced online learning with tutor support along with a three-day block course at one of Skills Group’s specialist trades training facilities. This will help keep to a minimum time spent away from work training,” says Di.
The future certainly looks bright for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector. In October 2022, Electricity Authority data showed that 43,641 solar systems have been installed across New Zealand.
“While uptake of solar systems in New Zealand has been slow to date, there is potential for greater utilisation as technology costs decrease, particularly at the grid-scale and on commercial building rooftops,” Di adds.