NSW renewables workforce receives $15m government investment

The NSW Government has announced that it and the federal government are investing $15 million over four years into skilled workforce training to support the state’s renewable energy projects.

The investment is part of the Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan at the Transgrid Orange Regional Centre. The Strategy aims to build the pipeline of skilled workers needed to design, build and maintain renewable energy generation, storage and transmission projects across the state.

“Building renewable energy at scale means building the workforce to match, and this strategy connects students, apprentices and local workers with job opportunities,” Sharpe said.

The Strategy includes school-based trade taster programs through to apprenticeships engagement, through to apprenticeships, traineeships and secure long-term employment. It also includes targeted initiatives to increase participation by women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

As part of the investment, the Strategy will expand the Regional Industry Education Partnerships program, strengthening links between schools and renewable energy employers and giving students hands-on exposure to local career opportunities.

The Strategy will also create Skills Coordinator roles to work closely with renewable energy employers, training providers and local communities to support local students and workers into renewable energy jobs.

Transgrid will play a major role in delivering the Roadmap, including construction of the New South Wales component of EnergyConnect — the South Australian, NSW and Victorian energy transmission project — and delivery of the Hunter Transmission Project, which will carry renewable energy from regional NSW to homes and businesses.

“We’re turning major energy projects into real, long-term careers, with clear pathways from school and training into secure, skilled work across regional NSW,” Whan said.

Image credit: iStock.com/cofotoisme