Skills Group Urges Electricians To Complete Mandatory Solar Work Training

With new Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) licence requirements taking effect from 1 September, Skills Group is urging electricians to complete mandatory training to legally work on solar systems in New Zealand.

Director of Trades School at Skills Group Di Lithgow says with only weeks remaining before the rules change, now is the critical window for electricians to get certified.

From 1 September, electricians must hold a Mains Parallel Generation Systems Licence Endorsement to undertake any grid-connected solar installations. The change reflects the additional safety considerations when working on these types of systems.

“Solar is one of the fastest-growing segments of the energy sector,” says Di.

Electricity Authority data shows more than 43,000 solar systems have been installed across New Zealand, with demand expected to rise as installation costs fall and commercial uptake grows.

“We’re urging electricians who haven’t yet secured the appropriate endorsement to act quickly and enrol in one of our accredited courses.”

To support the industry, E-tec, a Skills Group provider, offers a NZQA-accredited Solar Micro-credential Series, developed in collaboration with industry and endorsed by the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ).

These flexible, part-time courses cover both the theoretical and practical competencies required for the new endorsement and include grid-connected photovoltaic systems, grid-connected battery storage systems, and stand-alone power systems.

Each course combines self-paced online learning with hands-on block training at E-tec’s Auckland campus. They meet the endorsement requirements set by the EWRB and give tradespeople the tools to futureproof their skills in a rapidly evolving energy market.

Di Lithgow says, “Don’t wait until it’s too late. Whether you’re already working in solar or want to move into this high-demand field, now is the time to act.”

More information and enrolment details can be found at Solar Micro-Credential Courses - E-tec

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