Career Opportunities Sky High in Solar Industry - 6th March 2010

There is a new workforce evolving in North Queensland, with an abundance of careers being created in the renewable energy sector.

As Australia’s need for renewable energy sources such as solar power grows, this emerging industry is going from strength to strength.

The Federal Government has announced a target for 20% of Australia’s energy to come from renewable sources by the year 2020.

This target is set to increase the workload of the already-increasing industry, providing outstanding career potential and the opportunity for employees to work in a sector that is assisting Australia towards its green goals and helping to reduce the nation’s carbon emissions.

The demand for residential solar power has been growing rapidly; with the cost of solar panels at an all-time low and generous Government incentives on offer for the installation of photovoltaic grid connect systems.

Local company NQ Solar says the industry’s growth has allowed the organisation to triple its staff numbers in the past twelve months.

Office Manager, Karen Lloyd-Collins, says the company now employs business, marketing and administration professionals alongside its electrical and engineering staff, and the company is looking to expand its team again this year.

“It’s really an exciting time for people to get onboard in the solar industry,” she says. “There are just so many exciting career opportunities on offer.”

“The strong Australian dollar, combined with the Government incentives that are available, has made residential solar power systems so affordable and it’s really opened up a whole new workforce, with the ability for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to build themselves a career in the renewable energy sector.”

Ms Lloyd-Collins says the NQ Solar is focused on staff training in order to build a team of skilled workers.

“Because it’s a new and emerging industry, there is an opportunity for staff to be on the cutting edge of new technology.”

“We have a strong commitment to developing our staff members and providing them with the skills to succeed in this industry.”

“We provide our staff with assistance in gaining PV accreditation status and we believe in improving the skills of our youth through apprenticeships and traineeships,” she says.

As Australia’s energy needs continue to grow, the future of the renewable energy sector looks bright. NQ Solar says those getting in on the ground level now will be set for an exciting career for years to come.