New data from Powerlink, Energy Queensland, Stanwell, CleanCo, CS Energy and Queensland Hydro has revealed that more than 2,750 new jobs have been created in the state’s energy sector since November 2022.
The employment figures from Queensland’s six publicly owned energy businesses show a 28 per cent rise in full-time-equivalent staff between November 2022 and 30 June 2024, up from 9,792 to 12,562.
It is expected that the transition will support up to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2040, with many of the opportunities in regional Queensland.
The Queensland Government has partnered with the six publicly owned energy businesses to launch a new one-stop-shop to connect job seekers with energy sector jobs.
The new Energy Jobs Portal will connect more workers to the wealth of diverse roles within the energy sector, including opportunities for apprentices, engineers, electrical designers, labourers, administrative workers and more.
The portal opens up new information on available jobs and the required skills to work in both the public and private energy sector, benefiting both existing and potential energy employees.
Job seekers can upload their skills and experience, allowing them easier search options, and the ability to be “smart matched” to appropriate jobs.
Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, said, “This is about more than jobs; it’s about building the portfolio legacy of Queensland’s clean energy transition.
“Following the release of our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, we committed to finding 2,300 additional workers across our six publicly owned energy businesses, and in less than two years we’ve exceeded that commitment.
“As Queensland continues its transition towards a clean economy, we need to continue to build a strong, capable workforce that is equipped to deliver this once in a generation shift.”
Mr de Brenni said that the portal is not just opening up job opportunities, it’s opening doors to new careers, new skills, and a new chapter in Queensland’s energy story, helping to harness the power of people during the transition to a clean economy.
“The Energy Jobs portal underscores the Queensland Government’s dedication to our Energy and Jobs Plan, which promises to cut emissions and deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy for all Queenslanders.
“We’re ensuring the next generation inherits a robust, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy sector and we invite passionate, talented individuals to join us on this journey.
“Not only can new energy workers leverage the abundant opportunities available, our $150 million Job Security Guarantee ensures our valued workers in Queensland’s government owned coal-fired power stations and associated mines are supported through the energy transformation.”
Energy Queensland CEO, Peter Scott, said, “Energy Queensland has about 8,900 employees working at the forefront of the energy transition around the state and therefore we have to attract, train and retain the best talent in the energy sector.
“Our employees are not only working on the electricity network of today, but also on what is coming in the near future, and further down the track, due to the massive and rapid transformation that the energy sector is undergoing.”
Mr Scott said that Ergon Energy Network and Energex apprenticeships are among the most hotly contested in the country, with the companies receiving thousands of applicants for our apprentice positions annually.
“The networks currently have more than 500 apprentices, scholarship students and graduates on our books.
“This year Ergon and Energex recruited 182 new apprentices, who are now working at locations from the Gulf to the Gold Coast and west across outback Queensland,” Mr Scott said.
“Ergon Energy and Energex also offer work experience placements for high school students currently in years ten, eleven or 12, or students completing a relevant course through TAFE.”
Powerlink CEO, Paul Simshauser, said, “Powerlink is at the forefront of Queensland’s energy transition and has experienced significant growth in recent years.
“It’s an exciting time in the industry and at Powerlink, there’s plenty of opportunities, especially for young people looking to be part of a clean energy future.
“Whether it’s as an apprentice, linesperson, engineer or at the forefront of engaging with our communities, a career with Powerlink is full of possibilities.”
Stanwell CEO, Michael O’Rourke, said, “As a major provider of electricity and energy solutions to not only Queensland, but also to large energy users throughout Australia, Stanwell is at the forefront of the renewable energy transition. And as the state transitions, so does the workforce needed to support the clean energy transformation.
“We’re not only utilising all the skills Stanwell has in our current workforce and supporting our people with career pathways and opportunities under the Job Security Guarantee, but we are recruiting more workers every week so that we can deliver on our massive pipeline of renewable generation and storage projects while continuing to operate our current portfolio safely and reliably.
“That’s why we’re building the Future Energy Innovation and Training Hub (FEITH) to accelerate Queensland’s energy transformation at Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton by providing real-life, hands-on training for energy employees to develop the skills needed to work on new energy technologies.
“And we’ve set up a new renewable energy asset maintenance company, SAMCo, delivering maintenance services for the energy system of the future while providing future career pathways for our people.”
CleanCo CEO, Tom Metcalfe, said, “In the past year, CleanCo has proudly welcomed 79 new employees, each playing a crucial role in shaping Queensland’s clean energy future. This significant growth across our organisation highlights CleanCo’s commitment to building a diverse and skilled workforce in the clean economy.
“As CleanCo continues to pursue its ambitious growth agenda, we believe that investing in our people is investing in Queensland’s future, and together, we are delivering a clean energy future crafted in Queensland.”
CS Energy CEO, Darren Busine, said, “CS Energy has an ambitious program of work underway in the year ahead as we continue to add new renewable and firming assets to our portfolio and grow our retail business.
“At the same time, we are investing in the maintenance of our existing thermal generation assets to ensure they operate safely and reliably to support the energy transformation.”
Mr Busine said that CS Energy offers an incredible variety of positions at its regional sites and Brisbane office, from skilled professional roles to technical and trade opportunities.
“We are also nurturing the future of our industry through our apprentice, trainee and graduate programs, where people in entry level roles can learn from industry experts during a time of transformation and innovation.”
Queensland Hydro CEO, Kieran Cusack, said, “Pumped hydro energy storage is unquestionably the right technology to enable Queensland’s clean energy transition. Over the life of our proposed projects there’ll be opportunities to embark on a renewable energy career for trainees, apprentices and graduates, and for job seekers to transition from within the energy and other sectors.”
Mr Cusack said that with offices in Nambour, Imbil, Mackay and Brisbane, Queensland Hydro’s role in the energy transition is supporting jobs in the regions near where its proposed projects will be located.
“Creating local jobs for local people is something Queensland Hydro believes in.
“We’ll need a wide range of skills and experience to progress pumped hydro energy storage in Queensland. Our team has grown from one employee in September 2022 to around 150, and we expect many more jobs will be created during peak construction.
“Renewable energy is an exciting and worthwhile industry to be involved in and the ongoing investments Queensland Hydro is making in the regions will deliver so many opportunities for workers in the future.”
Image credit: UNIKYLUCKK/Shutterstock.com.
