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1. POSITION ADVERT – NSW UE ITAB EXECUTIVE OFFICER
REMINDER: The NSW Utilities & Electrotechnology Industry Training Advisory Body (NSW UE ITAB) is currently seeking the services of an experienced and qualified person to take on the position of Executive Officer from July 2024. The NSW UE ITAB Executive Officer’s role demands strong leadership, communication, and independent working skills, with sound working knowledge of the Utilities and Electrotechnology industry and interrelated Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system and training products.
The Executive Officer is expected to manage board activities, finances, and company operations, develop policies for Board consideration, coordinate stakeholder meetings, and provide industry advice to government. Ensure also, compliance with the NSW Department of Education’s Training Services NSW contract requirements, prepare and submit necessary reports, and possibly serve as Company Secretary, if requested by the Board. Additionally, promote government initiatives, represent the ITAB in various forums and career events, conduct marketing and research activities, manage projects, produce regular newsletters, maintain social media services and maintain stakeholder networks.
Requirements and contact details for the position are contained in the Position Description (PD), which can be downloaded here – https://bit.ly/4aRhjdY
The NW UE ITAB is an independent, not-for-profit vocational, skills, training, competency, qualifications, occupational standards, workforce development and careers advisory body.
Learn more about the NSW UE ITAB by visiting the website: www.uensw.com.au
For more information contact the following:
Contact details:
| First instance about the job | To apply for the position: |
| Executive Officer: Tony Palladino
Email: tony@uensw.com.au or Mob: 0437 396 363 |
Chair: Mr David Hughes
Email: david.hughes2763@gmail.com Mob: 0402 060 332. |
Applications extended to Friday 28 June 2024
2. BACKGROUND PAPER RELEASED FOR REVIEW OF AUSTRALIAN APPRENTICESHIPS INCENTIVES
The Department of Employment and Workforce Relations (DEWR) has released its long-awaited background paper for the strategic review of the Australian apprenticeships incentive system.
The notice circulated 20 June 2024 by DEWR in relation to the release of the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System – Background Paper states, “The Background Paper outlines the Strategic Review’s main focus: how to reduce the skills shortages we are seeing in Australia through apprenticeships and traineeships. To address the complex challenges facing the apprenticeship system, the system needs to:
- Encourage people to consider a career that starts with an apprenticeship or traineeship.
- Improve the completion rate of apprenticeships and improving the workplace experience.
- Increase diversity amongst apprentices, and support people from underrepresented groups to finish their training.
- Make sure apprenticeships lead to secure, well-paid work and career advancement.
The Background Paper is accompanied by the Provisional Reference List, which is a bibliography of the reviews, research papers, reports and other resources the Strategic Review has considered to date.
Written submissions for the Strategic Review closed on Wednesday 15 May 2024. … insights and ideas are invaluable to the Review’s work. All public and anonymous submissions are available on our consultation hub.
The paper covers commencement and completions by trade status, 2010 to 2023 with the following figures:
An interesting observation in the paper under the heading of Impact of the employment experience (page 21) is insightful in relation to possible reasons for low retention and high levels of non-completion rates:
“McDowell et al. (2011), Karmel and Misko (2009), Cully and Curtain (2001), Callan (2001) and Dickie et al. (2011) find that it is most often the working conditions, and not training-related reasons, that primarily influence apprentices’ and trainees’ decisions to complete or terminate their training. A bad working environment, especially clashes with supervisors and/or work colleagues, ranks among the most frequently cited reasons for terminating an apprenticeship (Schöngen 2003; Neuenschwander et al. 1996; Stalder and Schmid 2006). Ainley and Corrigan (2005) found that dissatisfaction with their supervisor caused some apprentices and trainees to discontinue their training or change employers. People who were dissatisfied with supervisors commented that the supervisors were often criticising, too demanding, never gave positive feedback and treated them disrespectfully (Misko et al. 2007; Dickie et al. 2011).”
Download the Background Paper – HERE
Download the Research reference list – HERE
3. NSW BUDGET DELIVERS INVESTMENT IN TAFE, APPRENTICES AND VET TEACHERS
The Building, Construction, Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Advisory Body (BCRITAB) 19 June 2024 newsletter reported that the latest 2024 NSW Government Budget delivers investment in TAFE, apprentices and VET teachers.
The article states, “The NSW Budget includes $16.3 million in funding to continue fee-free training for apprentices and trainees across the state.
The funding will support more than 20,000 new apprentices and 19,000 trainees and covers student fees of up to $2000 for apprentices and up to $1000 for trainees.
The Budget also includes record funding of $2.5 billion for TAFE NSW.
There is $83.1 million in the Budget to provide job security to TAFE teachers by converting 500 casual teachers to permanent employment.
Infrastructure across the VET system will receive a boost, with $190 million to undertake urgent repairs at campuses, upgrade 5,000 digital devices and improve Wi-Fi at 40 campuses.
The Budget also sees $4.9 million for the Get Back in the Game program which helps vulnerable teenagers to re-engage with education, training, and employment.
The Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said rebuilding the skills sector is essential for delivering key government priorities such as building the homes NSW needs, delivering a renewable energy future, reviving the State’s domestic manufacturing sector, and providing the staff that hospitals and aged care services need.”
The 2024-2025 Budget Overview: Our Plan for New South Wales
The webpage provides a snapshot of NSW demographics.
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A long-term plan for a better NSW
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The Government’s long-term plan remains to control expenses and reign in debt, to sustainably rebuild essential services. The unexpected downgrade of $11.9 billion Commonwealth revenue will stretch our resources for the foreseeable future. It means our path to recovery will be slower, but this Government will not pass on to the people of NSW the $11.9 billion hit from the CGC.
- NSW BUDGET PAPERS
- NSW 2024 BUDGET OVERVIEW
- OVERVIEW: OUR PLAN FOR NEW SOUTH WALES
- AGENCY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Paper 2
- NSW BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS BILLS – Paper 4
4. CONSTRUCTION TOPS MOST ATTRACTIVE SECTOR TO WORK
Reporter, San Williams in a 6 June 2024 article of Electrical Connection, reports that the construction industry has been named the most attractive sector to work for in Australia, according to Randstad’s Employer Brand Research.
The article states, “An independent survey by Employer Brand Research reveals over 6,000 Australian workers, over half (54%) identified construction as the most attractive sector to work for, tied with transport and logistics (54%) and closely followed by human health and social work activities (52%).
This is a shift from 2023 when almost half (48%) of Australians identified the public sector as the most attractive place to work, with government agencies taking six of the top ten spots.
“While we know from our research that a decent salary is one of the top motivators for 59% of Aussie workers, it’s not surprising, given daily headlines about redundancies that Aussies are feeling too risk-averse to jump jobs for better pay,” Randstad’s construction and engineering division director Clayton Colbert says.”
5. NSW VET REVIEW URGED TO PROVIDE SECURE FUNDING TO TRAINING PROVIDERS
The Building, Construction, Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Advisory Body (BCRITAB) 19 June 2024 newsletter reported that one of the key messages that has shaped the final stage of the NSW VET review was the need for streamlined funding for NSW VET providers and along with greater certainty and less complexity.
The article states, “The head of the review panel, Dr Michele Bruniges told the AEN NSW & ACT Skills Conference last week that funding was a core issue that came through in public submissions.
“There was a really strong consensus that funding arrangements are characterised by a high degree of complexity, a lack of long term certainty, and that compliance and processes need to be better balanced with innovation and flexibility for providers,” Dr Bruniges said.
“Many providers noted the need for qualification prices within the New South Wales government Smart and Skilled program to be updated to reflect the costs of delivery and in meeting the training needs of all cohorts and regions”.
There was also a strong focus on the VET workforce, particularly issues such as attraction, retention, professional development, and the “unmanageable administrative burden” on teachers.
Dr Bruniges also said many stakeholders raised concerns about VET infrastructure and facilities.
She said the current approach is not providing assets and infrastructure that are fit for purpose and which meet the face-to-face and online training delivery needs of learners and communities.
The review received 75 written submissions and over 1100 responses to a public survey.
The first part of the review was delivered in March and the final report is due to go to the Minister by June 30.”
6. WOMEN IN HVACR PROGRAMME IS BACK IN 2024!
Editor Sandra Rossi reports in the 18 June 2024 special edition of Climate Control News (CCN) announced the Women in HVACR programme is back in 2024.
The announcement states, “The Women in HVACR programme has been created by Climate Control News to recognise talented women making an outstanding contribution to the climate control industry.
Women in HVACR will showcase our industry as a great career choice with plenty of opportunities. CCN will do this by profiling our best and brightest and sharing their experiences in HVACR. Every year, women from around Australia will be invited to nominate to be a part of CCN’s Women in HVACR showcase.
Entries will be welcome from young rising stars through to senior executives. It is about their experience and talent, not their age or title. CCN will recognise their contribution and passion for an industry that is making a difference.
How to nominate
Successful candidates will be profiled in the October/November issue of CCN magazine and online.
- Submissions can be self-nominated or entered by a third party.
- Complete the short survey to demonstrate the nominee’s passion for working in the HVACR industry.
- Entrants are encouraged to highlight how they are making a difference to the industry.
Successful candidates will be profiled in the October/November issue
of CCN magazine and online.
Nominations close 15 August 2024
7. SMART & SKILLED UPDATE – JUNE 2024
Training Services NSW has published the latest Smart and Skilled Update, for the month of JUNE 2024 (DOWNLOAD A COPY HERE).
Smart and Skilled is an NSW Government program that helps people get qualifications in in-demand skills and industries. It’s a key part of the NSW vocational education and training system.
This latest Smart and Skilled Update covers the following:
- SMART AND SKILLED 2024-2025
The key issues for providers for the 2024-25 Activity Period which are covered in this Smart and Skilled update are:
- Smart and Skilled Contract Review Notices for 2024-25 have been released; there are different types of Review Notices and correspondence that may apply.
- Modest changes have been made to the Smart and Skilled contract documents and policies, the NSW Skills List has been updated, and a new Prices and Fees list will apply for commencements in the 2024-25 Activity Period.
- The Smart and Skilled program framework remains in place, with some shifts in emphasis to address emerging issues and continuously improve program outcomes.
- Current contracts with providers have been reviewed and there may be changes to the approved programs, financial caps and approved qualifications for providers.
- A further tranche of NSW Fee Free places will be released for commencements between 1 July and 31 December 2024. Places are limited and once the target is met, NSW Fee Free fee waivers will no longer be available.
- Fee Free Apprenticeships and Traineeships will continue for student commencements up to 31 December 2024.
The department is carefully managing the Smart and Skilled and NSW Fee Free budgets. Information about the Targeted Priorities Pre-vocational and Part Qualifications program for 2024-25 will be released as soon as details can be confirmed. …
- 2024-25 SMART AND SKILLED REVIEW NOTICE OFFERS
- 2024-25 FINANCIAL CAPS
- NSW SKILLS LIST UPDATED – VERSION 15.0
Version 15.0 of the NSW Skills List is now available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/resources/nsw-skills-list.
- PRICE CHANGES FOR THE 2024-25 SMART AND SKILLED ACTIVITY PERIOD
Version 15.0 of the Smart and Skilled Prices and Fees Schedule reflects these changes and can be accessed at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/vocational/funding/smart-skilled-fees.
- FEE FREE APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS EXTENDED TO 31 DECEMBER 2024
- VISIT APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINEESHIP ROADMAP
Visit www.nsw.gov.au/apprenticeship-traineeship-roadmap to find out more.
Find out how to access funding for vocational education and training that gives people workplace skills in high demand industries. Learn about Smart and Skilled and other government programs in NSW. For more information visit: FUNDING AND SUPPORT – SMART AND SKILLED
Or, for technical support in relation to this update, contact Training Market Customer Support at Training.Market@det.nsw.edu.au
For the Smart and Skilled – NSW Skills List visit: NSW SKILLS LIST – SMART AND SKILLED
8. POWERING SKILLS ORGANISATION – INSIGHTS UPDATE
Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) is inviting Training Advisory Group (TAG) members to an in-person TAG Workshop in Brisbane, 8 August 2024 – 9.00 to 4.00pm.
If you are a member of a TAG and wish to attend, then register as soon as possible at the following link: https://poweringskills.com.au/tag-registration/.
If you are not a TAG member yet but wish to join a TAG and also attend the in-person TAG Workshop, then sign of to be a member of one or more of the respective TAGs at https://poweringskills.com.au/technical-advisory-groups/.
Powering Up – PSO Initial Energy Workforce Scan Extended Summary Report
In 2023, Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) released its first national report, Powering Up. The initial report draws on preliminary workforce and training intelligence to distil existing information and set a path for identifying and resolving challenges in the energy workforce.
The scan provides a cursory definition and size of the PSO energy workforce in Australia; and identifies the unprecedented challenges that workforce confronts. The scan also outlines the number of VET trainees in the supply pipeline feeding into that workforce in recent years.
If you would like to learn more about the findings of the initial workforce scan, then download a copy of the report – HERE
Stay up to date on our recent Insights Update
On the 19 June 2024, PSO held its latest Insights Update session, which is now available as a video recording. The key topics covered in the session were:
- A recap of our recently concluded Energy Pathway Roadshows.
- Our upcoming Workforce Planning Report
- Upcoming projects:
- Creating an Energy Sector Gateway
- Consolidation of Competency Development Units
- Qualifications Reform Project
- SIAB Update
Click on the link below to view and listen to the recording and access the valuable insights shared during the event or HERE if the image link does not work.
Wish to learn more about Powering Skills Organisation’s (PSO’s) work and organisation visit PSO’s website at: https://poweringskills.com.au/
9. TAFETALKS – IMPACT OF LAST TWO DECADES OF VET POLICY ON TAFE
If you were unable to join in the recent TafeTalks webinar that discussed the impact of last two decades of VET policy on TAFE, then you can review the slides and listen to the recording of the event. The session led by Managing Director of National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), Simon Walker who explored the impact of last 20 years of VET policy on TAFE.
Also, discussed the current policy agenda and the 2024/25 Federal budget.
Craig Robertson, CEO of the Victorian Skills Authority, and Mary Faraone, CEO of Holmesglen Institute and TDA Board Chair, offered reflections on Simon’s insights.
The link to the recording and slides is available HERE.
10. RECRUITMENT ACTIVITY CONTINUES TO SOFTEN IN MAY
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) released its May 2024 Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (REOS) Recruitment Insights Report, 18 June 2024.
The report found that “forty-seven per cent of employers were recruiting last month, a decrease of 1 percentage point, with recruitment activity stronger in regional areas (51%), compared with 45% of employers in capital cities. The recruitment rate in capital cities declined over the month by 4 percentage points, while it increased by the same amount in regional areas.
While the proportion of recruiting employers experiencing recruitment difficulty rose by 3 percentage points to 56%, it still remains 11 percentage points below the 67% recorded a year ago.
In May, employers were slightly less optimistic about future staffing levels, with the proportion of employers expecting to increase staff numbers in the next three months easing by 1 percentage point to 19%.
These findings are generally consistent with other labour market indicators, such as Job and Skills Australia’s Internet Vacancy Index, which also point to an easing labour market.”
11. FREE SUPERVISOR WORKSHOPS FOR EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICE SUPERVISORS
Training Services NSW runs free supervisor workshops for employers and their supervisors of Apprentices and Trainees. It holds regular, free workshops for employers to explain everything about the supervision of apprentices and trainees.
These workshops are conducted across metro and regional areas and cover topics including:
- Your role as a supervisor
- Your learner’s role
- Workplace Induction
- Duty of care and safety
- Bullying and harassment, mental health and cultural diversity
- What to expect from the training provider
- The Training Plan and the Employer Endorsement of Competence.
- How Training Services NSW can help – supporting the employer and your apprentice/trainee.
REGISTER TO ATTEND
- To register your attendance please see dates and venues for upcoming workshops
- Watch the video series Supervising your apprentice or trainee
- Download Supervising your apprentice or trainee – A guide for workplace supervisors
- If you are interested in employing and Apprentice or Trainee, also see How to employ an apprentice or trainee.
NOTE – Participants may be eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD): if you are a Builder or swimming pool Builder, you may earn 1 point per hour (maximum of 4 points) towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as part of the NSW Fair Trading license renewal process.
12. NSW ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE SUPERVISION PRACTICE STANDARD TO BE MANDATED SEP 2024
REMINDER – the Building Commission NSW, released the Supervision Practice Standard (SPS) for Apprentices in the electrical industry December 2023 over the growing concern of apprentice supervision in the industry.
The new standard is currently a Guide and is expected to become mandatory, as a legal requirement in September 2024.
The new standard covers appropriate supervision requirements, levels and ratios for the supervision of electrical apprentices.
The new standard states, “The new Supervision Practice Standard for electrical apprentices aims to respond to compliance issues and industry needs by clarifying the appropriate levels and ratios of supervision depending on the experience of an apprentice. These guidelines will assist businesses, licence holders and apprentices to understand their rights and obligation and make the necessary arrangements to ensure safety and compliance.”
The Supervision Practice Standard (SPS) acts as a guideline to help businesses, licence holders and apprentices to understand their rights and obligations. It also details the supervision requirements of electrical apprentices to achieve compliant work in a safe manner.
Key information
- The new Supervision Practice Standard (SPS) provides information for the electrical industry on appropriate levels and ratios for the supervision of electrical apprentices.
- Only a licensed electrician can supervise electrical apprentices.
- The SPS details varying levels of supervision that are appropriate depending on the experience of an apprentice, Direct, General and Broad.
- Currently, the SPS acts as a guideline to help businesses, licence holders and apprentices to understand their rights and obligations under the SPS and make appropriate arrangements to meet the requirements.
- The SPS will be mandated as a legal requirement in September 2024. Once mandatory, a failure to comply with the SPS will attract enforcement action and penalties.
Download a copy of the guide via this link: SUPERVISION PRACTICE STANDARD FOR APPRENTICES IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY PDF, 558.89 KB.
More information is available on the Fair Trading website HERE
A Power Point Presentation (PPT) slide show, is also available explaining the Standard – HERE
13. TECHNICAL AND TRADE SKILLS IN HIGH DEMAND AND HARD TO FIND IN 2024
Editor, Sean Carroll reports in the 11 June 2024 edition of Electrical Connection that a recently released survey report by Ai Group’s Centre for Education and Training (CET) has found that technicians and trades workers are in high demand, and increasingly hard to find.
The article states, “Out of all businesses surveyed, 77% reported an increased need for these skills, and 79% said they were having difficulty finding or training staff to meet this need.
Businesses also reported an increased demand for managers and professionals but are finding them slightly easier to source. Around 69% of the businesses surveyed reported an increased need for managers, with 58% having difficulty finding or training staff to meet this need. Additionally, 66% reported an increased skill need in relation to professionals, with 61% having difficulty finding or training to meet this need.
The data also shows that demand for technicians and trades workers is rising over time. When we surveyed businesses in 2020, 49% reported an increased need for technicians and trades skills. This rose to 69% in 2022 and then to 77% this year. The proportion of businesses having difficulty finding or training technicians and trades workers has increased from 39% of those surveyed in 2020 to 79% in 2024.
“Australian businesses are telling us they are struggling to find the technical and trades skills they need, and over recent years it has become a problem for more and more companies,” Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox says.
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These findings are from Ai Group’s CET survey, Listening to Australian businesses on workforce and skills 2024. The survey is run every two years.
14. CLEAN ENERGY SKILLS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE APPLAUDED BY INDUSTRY
Editor, Sean Carroll reports in the 11 June 2024 edition of Electrical Connection of the federal government and Western Australia state government jointly announcing an investment of $70.5 million over the next five years to establish Australia’s first Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence in Western Australia.
The article states, “The Centre, operating across the WA TAFE network, will be a skills leader in clean energy science, engineering, construction and operation. It will innovate training in clean energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydrogen, batteries and grid integration while fast-tracking the development of higher and degree-equivalent apprenticeship pathways.
Jobs and Skills Australia estimates that the nation needs an additional 32,000 electricians by 2030 and another 85,000 by 2050 to meet the growing demand.
Electrical Trades Union (ETU) national secretary Michael Wright says that the investment in clean energy skills training is a crucial building block for Australia’s transition to a net zero emissions future.
“The Centre of Excellence will play a pivotal role in equipping the next generation of electricians and other skilled workers with the expertise needed to build and maintain the clean energy future,” he explains.”
The Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP’s Media Release of 10 June 2024 on the matter, stated that “The Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence will:
- Innovate training in clean energy technologies, including solar, wind, hydrogen, batteries and grid integration, and fast track development and delivery of higher and degree-equivalent apprenticeship pathways.
- Equip students with practical skills and knowledge-based capabilities to support innovation in the clean energy sector.
- Build on existing collaborations between WA TAFEs, universities and industry to co-design industry relevant training programs, facilitate applied research and strengthen entry pathways between VET and higher education.
- Partner with industry to drive skill development and support participation of more Western Australians – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and women – in clean energy jobs.
- Network with TAFEs in other states and leverage partnerships with universities, Jobs and Skills Councils, employers and unions to build the clean energy skills base across Australia.
15. ELECTRICAL LICENSING DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office also reported in its May 2024 eSafe Electrical new service of the disciplinary actions taken by the Electrical Licensing Committee against eight licence holders.
The following are passages of several of the incidents:
- An electrical worker was removing existing service pillars and installing new service pillars at a caravan park.
The worker failed to ensure the electrical installation to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result of this failure, socket outlets within a service pillar were energised with no earth connection. It was also identified that socket outlets in another service pillar were energised with a transposed neutral earth connection. A member of the public reported receiving an electric shock when contacting the metallic parts of a caravan.
- An electrical worker was working on and supervising repairs to an electric pump when the worker failed to ensure the work performed was electrically safe.
… The worker directed an apprentice to cut a cable without conducting adequate testing to prove isolation. As a result of this failure, an electrical apprentice was exposed to immediate electrical risk.
- An electrical contractor was working at a commercial location when they failed to ensure that the installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was safe and compliant to the Wiring Rules.
As a result of this failure, an energised cable was left unterminated adjacent to an air-conditioning duct and another worker inadvertently contacted this cable and received an electric shock.
- An electrical worker was working at a commercial location re-wiring an electrical installation and replacing electrical equipment due to flood damage.
The worker failed to ensure the installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules. As a result of this failure, the electrical installation was energised with multiple open circuit earth connections in the final subcircuits.
16. QLD – ELECTRICAL SAFETY AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2024 UPDATE
Queensland has set about modernising and enhancing its electrical safety framework. In a special newsletter issued by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, 20 June 2024, it was reported that Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced to parliament.
The article states, “This Bill follows an independent review of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and extensive consultation with industry, registered unions, electricity entities, peak bodies, and the community to ensure our electrical safety framework is up-to-date and covers new and emerging technologies.
The review made 83 recommendations with a focus on ensuring the legislation continues to be clear, fit for purpose, and able to meet the demands of rapid technological advancements. The Queensland Government is continuing work to consider the remaining recommendations not addressed in the Bill.
Key takeaways in the Bill are:
- Expanded definition of ‘electrical equipment’
- Clarity to key definition of ‘electrical installation’
- Enhancing operational efficiencies
- Changes to the work health and safety framework
To learn more about the changes click on the relevant links below:
- Visit the Electrical safety laws page.
- View and download a copy of the Bill.
- Read the Ministerial statement.
- Learn about what happens to the Bill now that it’s been introduced.
- View the Committee details.”
17. E-BIKE BATTERY SAFETY – DANGERS
UK’s Electrical Safety First reports in its special circular of 14 June 2024 of the need for the public to be aware of growing concern over the rise in fatalities, injuries and devastating fires from electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters). In its special report, Battery Breakdown on the matter the increasing danger of widespread use of lithium-ion batteries a deep dive into the issues and their impacts are explored therein.
It asserts that, “Tragically, in the first three months of 2023 alone, fires from lithium-ion batteries used to power these devices had already taken four lives in the UK, left others hospitalised or seriously injured and caused extensive damage to property.”
As an example, it highlights the plight of Scott’s story who in a matter of minutes, lost his family. His home was destroyed in a fire caused by a faulty e-bike battery.
Stating, “Sadly, he’s not the first.
These fires are ferocious, with the lives lost highlighting the urgent need for change. We need stricter regulations on e-bikes, e-scooters, and their batteries.
Scott is now advocating for change.”
WATCH SCOTT’S STORY ON YOUTUBE
“What is the danger?
Lithium-ion batteries can pose a significant risk due to thermal runaway, which occurs when internal temperatures exceed safe limits. This can happen due to flawed design, low-quality components, or improper charging or discharging. If a fire occurs, it may reignite, making these fires particularly dangerous.”
“Why are e-scooter and e-bike batteries exploding in people’s homes and what can be done about it?”
Battery breakdown is now a campaign that looks into the cause of these dangerous fires and provides recommendations for how safety can be improved. Battery breakdown is an extensive report that covers a number of issues and areas.
18. MAY LARGE-SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET MARKET DATA NOW AVAILABLE
In its 21 June 2024 newsletter, the Clean Energy Regulator has advised that it has released the May 2024 Large-scale Renewable Energy Target market data.
The article states, “The monthly data tracks progress towards the Renewable Energy Target. This supports further investment in renewable energy generation technologies.
The Regulator has approved 43.2 MW of capacity this month. This brings this year’s total to 966.6 MW of capacity with 248 power stations. This is significantly higher than the 62 power stations (total capacity 563.0 MW) approved the same time last year. In 2023, it approved a total of 2,205.9 MW.
The number of large-scale generation certificates in the REC Registry increased by an additional 3.4 million.
57 new power stations were approved in May, including:
- Bendigo Project Solar Farm & BESS in Victoria with a capacity of 7 MW.
- Cootamundra Solar Farm in New South Wales with a capacity of 5.8 MW.
- Fortnum Solar Farm in Western Australia with a capacity of 5.5 MW.
Visit Large-scale Renewable Energy Target market data for more information.
19. AUSTRALIANS FAVOR RENEWABLES BUT PRIORITIZE COST AND RELIABILITY AMID RISING ENERGY PRICES
A June 18, 2024 article in The Australian Pipeliner reports that a survey found Australians prioritise rising costs, energy prices, and reliability, even as they strongly support renewable energy.
The articles states, “As the cost of living climbs, and energy prices along with it, how does the everyday Australian feel about the nation’s energy aspirations? The Australian Pipeliner takes a look at the data.
The survey had a sample of 2005 citizens of varying age, location, education and gender.
It was found that voters strongly support a shift to renewable energy sources, and overwhelmingly prefer that any increase in electricity supply comes from solar or wind.
Voters are sceptical that Australia will meet its greenhouse gas emission targets, and less than half rate the performance of the Federal Government on the transition to renewable energy as good or very good.
However, voters also prioritise cost and reliability of energy over emission reductions. This has increased to 61 per cent from 59 per cent earlier this year.
This reflects the rising cost of energy, with 81 per cent of voters feeling overwhelmingly negative about the cost of electricity from all sources.
Additionally, voters were not willing to pay more for renewable energy, with the preference for a shift to renewables almost completely elastic.
A small majority of voters supported an increase in the energy supplied from natural gas, which also saw the largest growth in support (for an increase in supply) over the past three months (at 57 per cent, up from 53 per cent at the start of the year).
20. NSW ROUNDTABLE TO DEVELOP RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKFORCE
Utility e-News in its 20 June 2024 edition reported on a gathering of industry stakeholders and leaders at the NSW 2030 Renewable Workforce Roundtable in the Hunter region to plan the development of the workforce required to tackle the challenges of the energy transition.
The article states, “The New South Wales Government said that the roundtable continues its commitment to ensuring the clean energy transition creates new local, secure jobs in both metropolitan and regional NSW.
Representatives from dozens of organisations joined the New South Wales Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan and NSW Jobs Advocate, Mark Apthorpe, to discuss opportunities and strategies. Participants included industry bodies, unions, educators and government agencies.
Key advice from the roundtable will contribute to the NSW 2030 Renewable Workforce Plan.
The roundtable builds on the work underway by the NSW Jobs Advocate, Mark Apthorpe. Dr Apthorpe has delivered his initial report, making six recommendations to assist with the successful delivery of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The State Government is progressing the issues raised by Dr Apthorpe, which will help deliver skills, training and jobs.
The New South Wales Government said that it is already taking action to create local, secure jobs and ensure people in the industry are able to transition to work in renewables. This includes:
- Launching $275 million in grants under the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, to secure New South Wales as the place to develop and manufacture clean technology and create new jobs in the process
- Setting workforce requirements through the Renewable Energy Sector Board’s plan and Roadmap tenders
- Establishing a First Nations coordination team within EnergyCo and developing First Nations Guidelines with key Aboriginal community representatives and government agencies to build pathways to employment
- Funding employment initiatives for local communities
- Introducing eight new TAFE NSW microskill courses related to renewables, including Hydrogen Energy Fundamentals and preparing to work in the renewable energy sector
New South Wales Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said that delivering the energy transition is a big challenge that comes with real opportunities for thousands of good, local and secure jobs.”
21. PREPARE FOR YET ANOTHER BIG EV ADOPTION HURDLE
Columnist, Jennifer Hewett in an Australian Financial Review opinion piece of 18 June 2024, as to how apartment owners and strata managers face unexpected challenges and expenses in securing building insurance for existing properties that have installed EV charging facilities.
The article states that, “Apartment owners and strata managers are unprepared for the costs and complications of securing building insurance for blocks with electric vehicle owners and charging facilities.
John Baines thought he was doing the right thing last March when he paid more than $2000 to install his own power plug in the underground carpark of his apartment to charge his new Tesla.
But he was shocked to discover the strata managers for his Townsville apartment block were struggling to renew the building’s insurance policy if there was any charging of electric vehicles or other battery-powered transport, like scooters, in the basement garage.
Baines and the four other EV drivers in his block of 100 apartments have now stopped charging at home until new insurance premiums can be sorted out. …
Prepare for yet another big hurdle in the expansion of EV numbers in Australia. So far, potential difficulties with building insurance, higher premiums, or upgrading power and fire protection management are little appreciated in the community.