NECA advocates for sensible data centre approvals and apprentice growth

Every major data centre project depends on generation, grid connections, substations, critical power systems, communications technology and highly skilled licensed electricians. NECA supports data centre investment and wants these projects built in Australia by Australian electrical and communications contractors. However, that investment must be matched with a sensible workforce plan.

Australia already needs more electricians for housing, renewable energy, transmission, batteries, defence, manufacturing and broader electrification. If major data centre projects simply attract licensed electricians and experienced apprentices away from small and medium electrical businesses, they will shift shortages across the economy rather than help solve them.

That is why NECA is calling for workforce planning to sit alongside planning for power, water and grid capacity in data centre approvals. Major projects should contribute to genuinely additional apprenticeship commencements, support apprentice retention and completion, and invest in the training capacity needed to produce skilled electricians for the long term.

NECA is also advocating for practical support for the small and medium contractors who do most of the early training work. These employers carry the cost and responsibility of recruiting, supervising and developing apprentices, particularly in the first years when productivity is lowest.

A sustainable approach should recognise that investment, encourage more employers to take on apprentices, and create structured pathways that expose apprentices to both major projects and the broader electrical trade. With the right settings, Australia can approve and build the digital infrastructure it needs while growing the workforce required to power it.

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