NECA has launched a new training program in Tasmania, creating opportunities for people across the state to explore careers in the electrical industry. The program delivery is made possible by the newly- and purpose-built NECA Training Trailer, marking an important step forward for regional training access.
The official training program launch was held on Wednesday, 27th May at Business & Employment Southeast Tasmania (BEST) in Sorell and marks an important step forward in improving access to pre-apprenticeship training, particularly for regional communities and women pursuing careers in the trades.
The NECA Training Trailer has been designed to deliver practical training components in communities across Tasmania, providing flexibility in how and where training is delivered. It enables participants to access hands-on learning closer to home, helping to overcome accessibility barriers that often limit participation in trade training programs.
Supporting practical pathways into electrical careers
With renewable energy investment, household solar uptake and local infrastructure projects driving industry growth, improving access to training is critical to meeting the growing demand for skilled electrical workers.
Electrical trades play a critical role in supporting housing construction, infrastructure delivery and the transition to clean energy, and building a strong pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers is a priority for industry, government and training providers alike.
Ben Shaw, Executive Director, NECA Tasmania, said the project was not only about training delivery but also about creating a more inclusive future workforce.
“Tasmania is experiencing a demand for skilled electrical workers driven by housing, infrastructure and clean energy projects. This mobile training facility helps remove barriers to training in regional areas and creates new pathways into rewarding careers in the electrical industry.”
This initiative aligns with the priorities of the National Skills Agreement and Tasmania’s Skills Plan 2024–2028, which focus on improving access to training, strengthening trade pathways, supporting regional delivery and increasing participation among under-represented groups, including women. This is of particular importance in sectors where skills shortages are already being felt.
“This project is also about creating greater opportunities for women in trades and ensuring our future workforce better reflects the communities we serve,” Mr Shaw said.
The delivery of the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) at BEST in Sorrell, combined with the provision of the NECA Training Trailer is a strong example of what can be achieved when industry, training providers and government work together to respond to real workforce needs.
The project has been delivered with support from the Tasmanian Government’s High-Vis Army Grant Round 2, a program focused on building Tasmania’s future workforce in construction and related trades. It also brings together NECA Education & Careers, NECA Tasmania, Business & Employment Southeast Tasmania (BEST) and Skills Tasmania in a shared effort to strengthen pathways into the electrical industry.
The launch also recognised six women commencing the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) through the NECA Women and Their Trades (WaTT) Program under the Fee-Free TAFE initiative.
Minister for Skills and Jobs Felix Ellis, MP, attended the launch event and congratulated the six women commencing their training and described the trailer as a practical and innovative initiative that would bring hands-on training directly into regional communities.
“This Trade Training Trailer is a fantastic example of taking training to where people live, making it easier for Tasmanians to access the skills they need to build a career,” Minister Ellis said.
Building the future electrical workforce
For NECA the program reflects a broader commitment to practical, industry-aligned training that supports learners, employers and the future needs of the electrical industry.
As demand continues to grow across housing, infrastructure and clean energy, initiatives like this will be vital in ensuring the electrical workforce is ready for the opportunities ahead.