Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has unveiled a plan for a government-owned electricity body to hire 2,000 apprentices, aiming to tackle significant workforce shortages and job insecurity. The announcement came during Labor's final state conference before the upcoming election.
Reviving the State Electricity Commission
In a speech that drew on her father's experience as a linesman at the State Electricity Commission (SEC), Allan described the former state-owned energy provider as a training ground for 'thousands of apprentices' before it was shut down. The SEC was revived by former premier Daniel Andrews in 2023 after being privatised by Jeff Kennett in the 1990s.
'You joined young, got trained, got qualified and built a career for life. And you were part of a community that looked out for your family. That bond that kept people together,' Allan said. She recalled the day her father lost his job, saying it was the second time she had seen him cry.
$50 Million Plan for Electrical Apprenticeships
Under the $50 million plan, the SEC will offer 2,000 electrical apprenticeships over four years across two training facilities in Melbourne and regional Victoria, with the first intake in January 2027. Apprentices will work on SEC projects or be sent to private projects such as windfarms or datacentres. Allan noted this marks the first time since the SEC was privatised 30 years ago that the government has employed such apprentices.
The initiative comes as apprenticeship numbers decline nationally, even as demand for electricians rises amid the clean energy transition. Research from Jobs and Skills Australia projects a shortfall of up to 42,000 electricians by 2030, partly due to students being steered away from apprenticeships toward higher education, unclear return on investment for employers, and a shortage of qualified trainers.
Allan said apprentices were finding it 'hard to get a start, there's no sense of belonging and no guarantee of a job' at the end. Her father, Peter Allan, who was awarded Labor life membership on Saturday, introduced her to the crowd, describing her as someone who 'always stood up for the working classes.'
Election Campaign Launch
The state conference served as a soft launch for Labor's election campaign, with Allan's speech being her most personal since becoming premier in 2023. She characterised the November poll as a choice between her party's reforms to 'make life easier, safer and more affordable' and Liberal 'cuts'. On Saturday, members will sign off on the party's election platform, which includes proposals to consider a reduced workweek, introduce 12 days of reproductive health leave annually, and decriminalise personal cannabis use.
Allan told reporters she would 'consider' the proposals. Rank-and-file members and unions will debate urgent resolutions on Sunday, including motions on higher taxes for gas companies, free public transport, and ending imprisonment for unpaid fines. While non-binding, these motions represent an effective way for members to influence party policy.
Liberal Party Gathers in Caulfield
Meanwhile, the Liberal party held its annual state council, with opposition leader Jess Wilson reviving a commitment to allocate 25% of new infrastructure spending to regional Victoria. The Liberals' state executive elected former federal director Brian Loughnane unopposed as party president. Wilson warned that only voting Liberal could change the government, stating, 'You can't vote teal, you can't vote orange, you must vote Liberal.'
