A $2.9 million skills initiative is helping to boost New South Wales’s regional energy workforce the in Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Program offers regional workers and students accredited training, apprenticeships and career pathways to ensure local communities are first in line for thousands of jobs created through the transformation of the New South Wales energy grid.
The program, run by EnergyCo and the Department of Education, will deliver four major initiatives in the Central-West Orana REZ:
- Industry School Partnerships: school-based collaborations, careers learning and trade readiness courses (including the Girls Can Too program).
- Local Skills Coordinators: locally-based coordinators to connect training providers, employers and jobseekers to employment opportunities.
- Supporting Apprenticeships and Traineeships: increase uptake of apprenticeships and traineeships with local employers.
- Women in Renewables: expand programs such as Women in Construction Taster Program.
The State Government said that the Central-West Orana REZ is expected to create around 5000 construction jobs at its peak, and ongoing employment for decades. It is the first of five REZs that will deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for New South Wales households and businesses.
New South Wales Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said that the Central-West Orana REZ is not just about keeping the lights on for New South Wales homes and businesses – it’s about building a skilled local workforce, a thriving regional economy and opportunities for locals.
“The Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Program will help ensure the New South Wales energy transformation delivers real jobs and long-term benefits for regional communities,” she said.
New South Wales Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said that this announcement highlights the State Government’s commitment to preparing workers for the future.
“These are the jobs of the future, and we want to make sure local people have the chance to benefit,” he said.
