CPD

Solar Homes Program mandatory safety training

Solar Victoria is getting the word out that workers who wish to continue participating in the Victorian Government’s $1.3 billion, 10-year Solar Homes Program from July this year must complete mandatory solar safety training by 30 June 2021.

This requirement applies to:

  • solar hot water installers / licensed plumbers who work with retailers in the program
  • solar PV and battery installers
  • apprentices and trade assistants.
Solar Homes Program mandatory safety training

If you work with retailers in the program, you are encouraged to enrol as early as possible in the mandatory training unit, VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry (2 Master Plumbers CPD points), to meet the 30 June deadline. Workers who don’t complete this unit by the deadline risk not being able to participate in the program from 1 July.   

Holding a White Card is already mandatory for existing workers on solar installation sites. Workers who don’t hold one must also complete CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry -White Card (1 Master Plumbers CPD point).  

You can earn 4 Master Plumbers CPD points by completing the 22515VIC Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry (see below).

Unit Unit name Do you have to complete this unit? Master Plumbers CPD points
VU22744 Work safely in the solar industry YES - this unit is mandatory to complete by 30 June 2021. Complete this unit first. 2
CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry (White Card) YES - for all workers who do not hold a White Card.

Holding a White Card is already a mandatory requirement for all existing workers on solar installation sites.

Apply for credit if you have already completed this unit.

1
CPCCOHS2001A Apply OHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry Recommended. Apply for credit if you have already completed this unit. 1
CPCCCM2010B Work safely at heights Recommended. Apply for credit if you have already completed this unit. 1
HLTAID003 Provide first aid Recommended. Apply for credit if you have already completed this unit.  1

 

Solar Victoria also encourages experienced workers to contact their nearest participating training provider to check if they’re eligible for credit through credit transfers for units already completed, recognition of prior learning for similar units or recognition of current competence. Training providers are located across metro Melbourne and regional Victoria.

All units are provided free of charge and are co-funded by Solar Victoria and the Department of Education and Training.

Solar Victoria worked with installers, industry associations, unions, regulators and education providers to develop this solar-specific training to meet the needs of the industry. It’s just one way Solar Victoria is driving accountability across the supply chain to achieve rigorous safety and quality standards. It says that, especially in a rapidly growing industry like solar, it’s important that all workers have a consistent level of knowledge and skills to do their job safely and to a high standard.  

This safety training requirement is not new. Mandatory and recommended training requirements are set out in the Solar Homes Program Notice to Market, which provides the solar industry in Victoria with a clear overview of the rules and expectations for participation in the program.

For more information about training and how to enrol, see www.solar.vic.gov.au/training  

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