The Skills Gap—and How You Can Use It to Your Advantage

Right now, there’s a major shortage of people with the right site tickets and basic skills. That’s creating big opportunities for newcomers and career changers.

Australia needs around 40,000 extra clean energy workers by 2030, according to the Clean Energy Council and other workforce studies. Independent modelling also shows the energy workforce must grow sharply this decade to build and operate renewable projects (Jobs and Skills Australia).

To help fill the gap, industry and government are rolling out programs to speed up training and make entry easier—like the Clean Energy Job Ready initiative and federal skills funding.

How to take advantage if you’re new:

• Start with short, nationally recognised tickets that most sites require: White Card, Working at Heights, EWP (Elevated Work Platform), and First Aid. These make you immediately more employable.
• Build as you go: After your first jobs, add tickets for higher-paid roles like turbine tech, plant operator, or electrical TA if that’s your goal.
• Look to regional projects: Skills shortages are highest there, so you’ll have a better chance of getting on site and staying on longer.

Trainer Insight: “You don’t need a long resume. You need the right tickets, to turn up on time, and to work safely. Do that for a few months and supervisors will keep you on.”

Entry-Level Roles You Can Start With Minimal Experience

Here’s a rundown of the most accessible roles in renewables right now — roles you can step into with short, nationally recognised courses and no prior industry experience:

Why This List Works for You:

• No previous experience? Many roles just need safety-focused tickets—quick, affordable, and practical skills that get you onsite fast.
• Quick entry, long-term opportunity: Start as a labourer, EWP assistant, or traffic controller, then add tickets to move into higher-paid positions.
• Pay that reflects demand: Most roles offer $60k–95k/year based on site location and responsibilities.
• Adaptable skills: These roles open doors in renewables, construction, mining—even roadworks and events down the track.
  
  

Trainer Insight: “Every job listed here gets you into the renewables ecosystem. Show up reliably with the right tickets, and employers will invest in you — from extra shift hours to more advanced training.”

What Tickets & Certifications You’ll Need

Getting started in renewables doesn’t require a university degree. Most roles only need short, nationally recognised courses that you can complete in a few hours or days.

Here are the most common certifications for entry-level and trade roles:

How to Get Started in Renewable Energy: Step-by-Step Guide

Breaking into the renewable energy industry is easier than you might think.

Here’s a simple roadmap to get you from zero experience to job-ready:

1. Decide on Your Role

First, figure out what job suits you. Do you want hands-on work like installing solar panels, operating machinery, or working as a traffic controller? Or are you more interested in supervision or compliance roles?

2. Get Your Essential Tickets

Start with the White Card — it’s mandatory for any construction site. From there, add tickets relevant to your target job (Working at Heights, EWP, Traffic Control, etc.).

Tip: Most of these courses can be completed in 1–2 days.

3. Build Basic Site Skills

If you’re new to the industry, consider short courses in First Aid & CPR and basic safety awareness. Employers love candidates who can handle emergencies and understand site rules.

4. Apply for Jobs on Renewable Projects

Once you have the core tickets, start applying for entry-level roles such as:

• Solar farm labourer
• Wind turbine ground crew
• Traffic controller on renewable projects
• Mobile plant operator

Where to look: Seek, Indeed, and renewable project contractors.

5. Upskill Over Time

The industry rewards continuous learning. After landing your first role, consider adding specialised tickets (like EWP or Scaffolding) to qualify for higher-paying jobs.

Trainer’s Insight:

“The biggest mistake new workers make is thinking they need every qualification before applying. You don’t. Get your White Card, maybe one or two extra tickets like Traffic Control or Working at Heights, and you’re already in a strong position. Employers will happily train you further once you’re on the job.”

Landing your first renewable energy job isn’t just about tickets — it’s about attitude and readiness.

Here’s what employers value most when hiring:

1. Safety Awareness

   Renewable projects operate under strict safety standards. Employers look for candidates who understand the basics and take site rules seriously. Having your White Card and First Aid/CPR is a strong start.
   
   

2. Reliability & Work Ethic

   Showing up on time, following instructions, and being willing to learn are non-negotiable. Employers will often choose someone with less experience but a great attitude over a highly skilled but unreliable worker.
   
   

3. Basic Industry Knowledge

   You don’t need years of experience, but understanding what a solar farm or wind farm involves will help you stand out in interviews. A quick Google search and a little prep go a long way.
   
   

4. Core Tickets

   White Card is essential. Beyond that, Working at Heights, Traffic Control, and EWP tickets make you more competitive for entry-level roles.
   
   

   Trainers Insight: