The strategy was developed to complement the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap released in 2020, which aims to “transform our electricity system into one that provides affordable, clean and reliable energy for everyone”. The NSW Government anticipates this transformation will generate thousands of new jobs, both in the construction phase and on an ongoing basis. Upskilling the workforce to accommodate this is therefore critical.
“Building renewable energy at scale means building the workforce to match, and this strategy connects students, apprentices and local workers with job opportunities,” said Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Penny Sharpe.
The aim of the strategy is to build clearer pathways for students and workers interested in entering or expanding their role in this space.
“This $15 million investment is about making sure local people have the skills to take up the jobs created by the renewable energy transformation,” Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said of the investment.
The strategy has been designed around five key objectives:
- Awareness – In creating and expanding offerings in schools such as the Regional Industry Education Pathway Program, the strategy will help build awareness and interest in renewable energy career pathways
- Access – providing fee-free and subsidised access to existing and emerging training programs and facilities
- Support – providing support to both private and public sector employers as well as students through the establishment of several Skills Coordinator roles to facilitate effective apprenticeships and traineeships
- Equity – providing practical support where needed to increase access to pathways for under-represented groups such as women or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and workers
- Mobility – enabling employers to access skilled workers from other regions and countries where skills gaps exist
“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,” Mr Whan continued.