What are Green Apprenticeships?

The demand for apprenticeship and traineeship positions in sectors like clean energy, agritech, automotive mechanical, civil construction, and electrical is only growing.

MIGAS refers to these roles as Green Apprenticeships.

These industries are leading the transition to a low-carbon economy and will see a considerable increase in job opportunities and a need for individuals with specialised skills.

Green apprenticeships provide a route to long-term employment options in expanding industries by concentrating on sustainability. Apprentices acquire practical experience in waste reduction, working with renewable energy sources, and creating creative solutions to environmental problems.

By joining a group effort to create a more sustainable future, green apprenticeships help you feel more purpose in your profession.

Apprenticeships in Clean or New Energy Clean energy sources include solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy, which emit little or no glasshouse gases. This can involve setting up and maintaining wind turbines, solar panels, and hydropower systems as well as building out infrastructure like transmission lines and energy storage systems.

• Being a solar panel installer entails learning how to set up, look after, and fix solar panels and associated hardware.
• Being a wind turbine technician entails learning how to set up, keep up, and fix wind turbines in sizable wind farms.
• Renewable energy-focused electrical apprenticeships require the expertise needed to work in the clean energy sector. The electrical components of solar panels, wind turbines, and other clean energy technologies can be installed and maintained as part of this.

Civil Construction Apprenticeships

Civil construction, as used in the context of a green apprenticeship, refers to the building of infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, and roads, as well as the construction and upkeep of utilities like water and sewage systems.

Environmentally friendly building techniques can be used in civil construction projects. This can involve using energy-efficient design elements like solar panels and insulation as well as using sustainable materials like bamboo and wood. To regulate stormwater runoff and encourage biodiversity, civil construction projects might incorporate green infrastructure, such as green roofs and rain gardens.

Roles in sustainable construction place a strong emphasis on green building techniques and work to lessen the industry's environmental effects. Apprentices gain knowledge about eco-friendly building practices, eco-friendly materials, and waste management systems.

• To support the implementation of large-scale government-funded projects including hydroelectric facilities, wind farms, and solar energy facilities, major civil project construction operations require apprentices.
• Environmental remediation entails the cleaning up and restoration of polluted locations such as landfills, brownfields, and industrial sites. Environmental laws, soil and water testing, and remediation strategies are among the topics that apprentices learn about.
• The treatment, distribution, and storage of water are the main areas of attention for water conservation, as are conservation strategies like rainwater collection and greywater systems.

Agribusiness and Agritech Apprenticeships

Jobs in agritech have the potential to significantly contribute to sustainability and environmental protection in Australia. Agritech (agricultural technology) is the application of technology and innovation to raise agricultural productivity and efficiency. This can involve implementing sustainable practices, using precision agriculture technologies, and creating new farming methods.

Technology is used by precision agriculture specialists to maximise agricultural yields and cut waste. It can entail gathering and analysing information about crops, soil, and weather using drones, GPS technology, and other instruments.

• Farm machinery technicians oversee maintaining and fixing farm machinery, such as harvesters, tractors, and other tools. These professionals analyse and fix mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues with farm machinery.
• Irrigation specialists create plans for effective water use as well as design, install, and operate irrigation systems on farms.
• Agricultural engineers analyse data, find solutions to increase agricultural productivity and sustainability, and design and develop new technology and equipment for the agricultural industry.

Electrical Apprenticeships

The need for electrical apprentices to install and maintain solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric systems will continue to expand.

To balance the supply and demand of electricity and increase the dependability and resilience of power networks, electrical apprentices also work on the development of smart grids and energy storage systems.

Electricians who specialise in designing, implementing, and maintaining renewable energy sources also know how to incorporate them into electrical systems.

• Energy efficiency professionals locate and put into place energy-saving solutions in infrastructure and buildings. Conducting energy audits, creating energy efficiency plans, and installing energy-efficient heating and lighting systems are all examples of this type of labour.
• Building automation systems need to be designed, installed, and maintained. Smart building electricians also need to know how to program these systems to achieve the highest possible energy efficiency.
• Energy-efficient and ecologically friendly lighting, and air conditioning and refrigeration systems are designed and installed by green building electricians.

Automotive and Mechanical Apprenticeships

As electric and hybrid vehicles gain popularity, there is a growing need for mechanics who can maintain and repair them. Yet, more than simply light vehicles like cars are switching to hybrid or electric power sources. Governments that operate bus or rail fleets and large transportation and logistics firms are moving towards converting and acquiring entirely electric-powered vehicles.

There must be enough skilled mechanics available to maintain and repair these vehicles. This entails being aware of the features and systems found in electric and hybrid cars, such as their battery systems and regenerative braking.

• Light vehicle mechanic apprentices with an emphasis on electric cars (EVs) learn how to maintain and replace batteries and other components particular to EVs, as well as how to diagnose and repair electrical and mechanical systems on EVs.
• Heavy vehicle mechanic apprentices with an emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs) learn how to maintain and replace batteries and other components particular to heavy EVs, as well as how to diagnose and repair electrical and mechanical systems on EVs.
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging station technicians install, test, and maintain charging stations as well as identify and fix problems with charging stations.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in sustainability and renewables trade sectors, MIGAS can help.

Take a look at the roles available now on our Jobs Board, or register with us to be emailed when we have an apprenticeship or traineeship opportunity that matches your interests.