New Course To Meet EWRB Requirements

Electrical training provider Skills Group is offering a new suite of micro-credential courses in solar energy systems designed to help electricians meet the Electrical Workers Registration Board’s (EWRB) new registration requirements which come into force from 1 September 2025.

The new registration requirements are in response to unique safety risks in particular working environments, including mains parallel generation systems such as grid-connected Solar PV and battery systems.

Starting this May, E-Tec which is part of Skills Group will offer three NZQA-registered micro-credentials covering the design and installation of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems, grid-connected battery storage systems, and stand-alone power systems.

Director Trades School Di Lithgow says E-tec is licencing training resources from Global Sustainable Energy Solutions International (GSES) an Australian-based specialist in renewable energy training and consultancy.

“Modified for the New Zealand market and regularly updated, these courses are endorsed by the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand (SEANZ) – a mark of quality that will give graduates a competitive edge in the marketplace.”

Di says EWRB has confirmed that from 1 September Solar PV and Battery Storage Systems micro-credentials are now required for gaining a Mains Parallel Generation Systems licence endorsement.

“Each micro-credential involves self-paced online learning with tutor support, along with a three-day block course at one of Skills Group’s specialist trades training facilities. This will help keep to a minimum time spent away from work training.”

E-tec will initially offer the block course from its East Tamaki campus in Auckland, with Christchurch following later in the year. Depending on demand, other centres around New Zealand may also be included.

“An October 2024 report jointly produced by Master Electricians and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) entitled ‘Exploring residential energy technology with plumbers and electricians’ identified that appetite for training is highest for solar.”

In October 2022, Electricity Authority data showed that 43,641 solar systems have been installed across New Zealand.

“While uptake of solar systems in New Zealand has been slow to date, there is potential for greater utilisation as technology costs decrease, particularly at the grid-scale and on commercial building rooftops,” Di says.

Furthermore, the International Energy Agency says about three percent of New Zealand homes have solar connections.

“While that level is low, Consumer NZ head of Powerswitch Paul Fuge has said that New Zealand has the same solar potential as Victoria, Australia, where 25 percent of residential properties have solar systems installed.”

Course information can be found at Solar Micro-Credential Courses - E-tec: https://etec.ac.nz/solar-micro-credentials-courses/

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