New Energy Training is proud to announce that we have been named the winner of the Training and Professional Development Award at the 2026 Smart Energy Excellence Awards.
The award recognises our commitment to improving skills, professionalism and consumer outcomes across Australia’s renewable energy industry. It reflects the work of our team, our training partners and the thousands of students who continue to invest in developing their knowledge.
This recognition comes at an important time for the industry. As solar, battery storage and electrification become more advanced, the need for practical, nationally recognised training has never been greater.
Building a More Skilled Renewable Energy Workforce
New Energy Training was established with a clear purpose: to help build a more capable renewable energy workforce through practical education that reflects the realities of industry.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 45919) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Supply Partners, our training remains closely connected to installers, manufacturers, retailers and industry bodies. That connection allows us to continually update our courses as technology, regulations and industry expectations evolve.
Today, we deliver nationally recognised qualifications and professional short courses for electricians, solar consultants, designers, technical support teams, administrators and installation support staff. Our programs are delivered through permanent training facilities in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, supported by mobile training rigs that extend practical training into regional Australia.
Addressing One of the Industry’s Biggest Training Gaps
A key reason New Energy Training received this award was our focus on improving professionalism within the solar sales sector.
While electricians complete extensive training before installing renewable energy systems, there has historically been no formal qualification required for many people selling solar and battery systems worth tens of thousands of dollars.
This creates challenges for businesses, installers and consumers alike.
To help address this gap, New Energy Training developed the Certified Consultant Pathway, combining nationally recognised units with professional short courses covering:
- Site surveys
- Technical knowledge
- Sales professionalism
- Compliance
- Ethical customer engagement
The pathway creates a stronger connection between sales, design and installation teams, helping businesses deliver better customer outcomes while reducing errors between what is sold and what is ultimately installed.
Working Alongside Industry
Our training is shaped through ongoing consultation with installers, manufacturers, regulators and industry organisations to ensure content reflects current industry practice.
We have also worked closely with respected industry leader Nigel Morris, who has contributed to course development, training content and industry discussions around raising professional standards for solar sales.
Together, we continue to support conversations with organisations including the Smart Energy Council and Solar Accreditation Australia about future pathways for greater professionalism across the renewable energy sector.
Training That Evolves With Industry
Renewable energy is changing quickly.
Battery storage, virtual power plants, consumer protections and compliance requirements continue to evolve. Rather than treating course content as static, New Energy Training continually updates programs to reflect these changes.
Our flexible delivery model also allows students to continue working while they study. Theory is completed online, while practical assessments take place in dedicated training centres or regional locations through our mobile training facilities.
This approach allows electricians to stay on the tools while building new skills, while businesses can upskill entire teams without extended downtime.
Improving Outcomes for Businesses and Consumers
The impact of quality training extends well beyond the classroom.
When consultants understand site surveys, system limitations and compliance requirements, communication between sales teams and installers improves.
When electricians receive structured design and installation training, projects are completed with greater consistency.
For consumers, this means clearer advice, better system sizing, more accurate documentation and installations that align with what was discussed during the sales process.
These outcomes help strengthen confidence across the entire renewable energy sector.
Thank You
Winning the Smart Energy Excellence Award is recognition of the commitment shown by our trainers, assessors, support staff, industry partners and students.
We also thank the Smart Energy Council for recognising the importance of education and professional development in building Australia’s renewable energy future.
This award is an important milestone, but it is not the finish line.
New Energy Training will continue working with industry to deliver practical training, support professional development and help raise standards across the renewable energy sector.
Watch the Winner’s Interview
Following the awards, the Smart Energy Council interviewed New Energy Training Director Lliam Ricketts about the achievement and the importance of improving training across the renewable energy industry.
Watch the interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asaVB7Z7lvk