Engineers Australia has released its final Making a clean transition report, providing clear advice to employers, workers, government and training providers for transitioning engineers from thermal industries to the growing renewable energy sector. Building on earlier insights, the report highlights the crucial role that transferable skills, flexible training pathways, and coordinated policy support will play in achieving Australia’s net zero emissions goals.

Engineers, with their problem-solving mindsets and deep technical expertise, are the key to driving the net zero transformation. The research, conducted in partnership with Mott MacDonald, confirms that while many engineers will transition smoothly to the growing clean energy sector, others need more support.

Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Bernadette Foley said the final report offers concrete solutions to one of the country’s most pressing workforce challenges.

“We have seen that engineers with experience in thermal industries are well-positioned to take on new roles in renewables. This report gives us confidence that, supported by the right training pathways and coordinated policies, we can ensure these professionals continue to thrive in a net zero economy."

"Australia is at a pivotal moment. We have a generational opportunity to shape a workforce that can lead the world in clean energy. Investing in our engineers and providing them with the tools to succeed will be key to a sustainable and prosperous future," said Ms Foley.

Engineers Australia is calling on:

• Employers to support transition pathways through diverse continual professional learning and interim roles, and tailor recruitment to highlight the transferable skills engineers already possess, re-engage qualified engineers, and promote the purpose-driven opportunity to work in clean energy.
• Governments to continue to undertake skills mapping and showcase the similarity in roles, consider location and the local workforce when investing in clean energy initiatives, and support skills recognition and familiarisation training in clean energy. Policies that align across all levels of government will drive workforce expansion, innovation, and investment in renewable energy.
• Training providers to continue to ensure all engineering courses include sustainability alongside foundational engineering skills, and work with industry to promote training pathways and work experience opportunities.