The joint investment of $15 million will help create a renewable energy workforce in the state. Photo: NSW Climate and Energy Action, NSW Government.
The Minns NSW Government and the Albanese Federal Government are jointly investing $15 million over the next four years to train a skilled workforce needed for the planned renewable energy rollout.
Underpinning the Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, the investment was launched by the Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe and the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan.
“The Energy Roadmap is delivering thousands of regional jobs across NSW to make sure families have energy they can trust and afford,” Ms Sharpe said.
The strategy fits within and supports the broader Energy Roadmap, expected to create about 7000 jobs during the construction phase’s peak and 4500 ongoing roles.
Other initiatives from the Minns Government include fee-free apprenticeships and traineeships, the Renewable Energy Skills Program and the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at Tighes Hill’s TAFE.
The strategy aims to build a pipeline of skilled workers in the state who can build, design and maintain renewable energy systems, including energy generation, storage and transmission.
The blueprint includes school-based programs, apprenticeships, traineeships and secure long-term employment. There will also be targeted initiatives to drive greater participation in the field from women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“This $15 million investment is about making sure local people have the skills to take up the jobs created by the renewable energy transformation,” Mr Whan said.
”It is about investing in skills that will stay in country communities and provide a long-term local benefit.”
As part of the investment, the strategy is set to expand the Regional Industry Education Partnerships program, bolstering the ties between renewable energy employers and schools, which gives young people hands-on experience in local job opportunities.
Skills coordinator roles will also be created by the strategy. These coordinators will work alongside training providers, local communities and renewable energy providers to support workers and students as they transition into the renewable energy field.
Industry player Transgrid has a major role in delivering the state’s roadmap. The company is tasked with constructing the NSW component of EnergyConnect, the largest energy transmission project in the nation, and delivering the Hunter Transmission Project, which will transport energy from regional NSW to businesses and homes.
More information is available on the NSW Government’s website.
