Australia needs more electricians, and it has grappled with this issue for years. The Powering Skills Organisation estimates 42,000 more electricians will be needed by 2030, with demand growing beyond that as Australia electrifies for net zero. The target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029 adds further pressure.
At the same time, there is a largely untapped source of talent. Many refugees arrive in Australia with trade experience, strong motivation and a determination to build secure lives. Yet they face real barriers to training, licensing and work. With the right support, they can help close Australia's skills gaps while building stable futures for their families.
Introducing Spark Path
Spark Path is a new initiative of Skill Path Australia that aims to connect people from refugee backgrounds with the support they need to complete their electrical apprenticeships and build fulfilling careers.
Our work since 2025 with partners including Talent Beyond Boundaries, VETASSESS and Add Staff showed us that a pathway only works when employers shape it from the start. That is why we are talking with industry before the next stage is built. We are grateful to the Scanlon Foundation for funding the current design phase.
What we are exploring
Until mid-December, we are holding consultations with employers, industry bodies, unions, training providers and community organisations on three questions:
Where should the program be based? We are considering Queensland, where Brisbane 2032, data centres and renewables are driving demand.
Which trades should it focus on? Electrical, adjacent electrical roles, or other critical trades with a simpler path to certification and employment.
Who should be the candidates? Our starting point is refugees already in Australia, with skilled and aspiring candidates from overseas phased in later.
What we hear will help us shape how the Spark Path program will work.
How you can help
If you are an employer, industry body, union, training provider or community organisation, we would value 30 to 45 minutes of your time before mid-December 2026.
We want to hear what your organisation needs from a pathway like this, and who else should be part of the conversation.
For more information or to book in a call, contact Spark Path Consultant Anne Shimada at anne@skillpath.org.au
