BRISBANE, QLD — The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have jointly launched a new initiative offering free, face-to-face training for Queensland electricians to design and install battery storage systems. Announced on July 20, 2026, the program aims to rapidly upskill the state’s workforce, addressing a critical demand for qualified battery professionals as Australia accelerates its energy transition.
The ‘Grid Connected Battery Storage Systems Designer Installer Skill Set’ is now open for enrolments at TAFE Queensland’s Acacia Ridge and Toowoomba campuses. This four-day course is delivered at no cost to eligible licensed electricians, apprentices, and trade assistants, allowing them to gain job-ready skills without extended time away from work.
This initiative is a direct response to the surging demand for battery installations across the nation. The Clean Energy Council’s latest Rooftop Solar and Storage Report revealed a record 183,245 battery units were sold nationally in the second half of 2025 alone – a four-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024. As more Australian households and businesses adopt solar and battery storage to manage rising electricity costs and enhance energy independence, the need for skilled installers has become paramount.
Why This Matters for Your Battery Installation in 2026
The rapid growth in home battery adoption, spurred by schemes like the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, has highlighted a potential bottleneck in the skilled labour force required for safe and compliant installations. The federal program, expanded to AUD $7.2 billion, targets two million batteries by 2030, covering approximately 30% of a battery’s cost. This Queensland training program directly supports this national push by ensuring a robust pipeline of certified professionals.
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Rosslyn Bates MP, emphasised the program’s role in building the state’s energy workforce to keep pace with demand. “Queensland’s energy pipeline is strong and will require a skilled workforce to build it, with around 5.8 gigawatts of generation and storage projects financially committed, under construction, or in commissioning, representing around $14 billion of investment and 5,000 construction jobs,” Minister Bates stated.
“Our TAFE Centres of Excellence are ensuring that this extends to growing the skills and experience of tradespeople, including electricians through this course to support battery storage and renewable energy skills essential to Australia’s energy transition.”
— The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training
For homeowners considering a home battery system, the availability of qualified installers is a crucial factor. Ensuring your system is installed by a certified professional is not only a safety requirement but also essential for warranty validity and optimal performance. This training aims to standardise and elevate the expertise available in the market, providing consumers with greater confidence. For a comprehensive overview of current options, see our guide on the Best Home Solar Batteries in Australia 2026: Models, Prices & Post-May Rebates.
The Future of Energy Skills in Queensland
The TAFE Centre of Excellence in Clean Energy Batteries, which delivers this training, is a joint initiative under the National Skills Agreement. It is designed to empower electricians to upskill in an expanding area of their trade, particularly as both federal and state governments roll out initiatives focused on delivering affordable, sustainable power.
This workforce development is particularly pertinent given the ongoing evolution of battery technology and grid integration. As battery systems become more sophisticated, offering features like Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation and advanced energy management, installers require specialised knowledge. VPPs, for instance, allow home batteries to collectively support the grid during peak demand, offering potential financial benefits to participants. In July 2026, 15 residential VPP units contributed an estimated $22,000 in FCAS market revenue, highlighting the growing economic value of distributed energy resources.
The program’s focus on grid-connected battery storage systems directly aligns with the broader national strategy to integrate more renewable energy into the National Electricity Market (NEM). As of the 2025-26 financial year, Australia connected a record 9.1 GW of new generation and storage capacity to full output in the NEM, more than double the previous year, with battery storage projects dominating the technology mix. The success of these large-scale and distributed energy projects hinges on a skilled workforce capable of deploying and maintaining the infrastructure.
For those looking to understand the financial implications of such systems, our guide on Home Battery System Costs in Australia 2026: A Complete Guide to Prices & Reduced Rebates provides detailed insights into pricing and available incentives. The ongoing investment in training ensures that the growth in battery installations remains supported by qualified professionals, safeguarding consumer investment and accelerating Queensland’s transition to a cleaner energy future.