NECA Welcomes Technical College Commitment to Tackle Critical Sparky Shortage

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed the Federal Coalition’s commitment of $260 million to establish 12 new Australian Technical Colleges, calling it a vital step in addressing Australia’s growing shortage of licensed electricians.

“This announcement recognises the scale of the challenge. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the country will require over 32,000 additional electricians in the next seven years—and we are already lagging behind,” said NECA CEO Oliver Judd.

Electricians are critical to delivering on national housing targets, energy transformation, data infrastructure and industrial growth. If the workforce pipeline fails, the consequences will be measured in project delays, cost overruns, and missed economic opportunities.

The decision to place these colleges in regional areas is particularly welcome. NECA has long highlighted that young people outside metropolitan centres often face limited access to accredited electrotechnology training, even though many regional areas are experiencing the most acute labour shortages. Ensuring that students in these communities have a direct pathway into apprenticeships is essential.

NECA’s own experience, as a leading provider of electrical training through our Registered Training Organisations, shows that industry-led models deliver results. With apprentice completion rates consistently above 90 per cent, NECA has demonstrated that when employers are involved in the training process from the outset, outcomes improve significantly.

This commitment should now serve as a catalyst for a broader national effort to address workforce shortages in essential trades. Governments must work with industry to ensure that training investments are channelled into areas of highest demand, that training providers are held to account for performance, and that students are able to access quality education no matter where they live.

“If we want to build 1.2 million homes, accelerate the clean energy transition, and support economic growth, then we must have the electrical workforce to do it. This announcement is a positive step, and NECA looks forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure it delivers lasting outcomes,” Mr Judd concluded.