As Australia’s energy landscape evolves, the focus on developing a skilled workforce to support this transition has become increasingly important. The creation of Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the country presents opportunities not only for large-scale energy generation but also for local communities. A recent report in PV Magazine Australia highlights a new initiative in New South Wales that aims to boost regional skills development, ensuring that communities are at the forefront of this change.
The New South Wales government has announced a $1.4 million grant to support workforce development in the Central-West Orana REZ. This funding is being directed towards the Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Program (RESLP), a joint effort by the state’s Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) and the Department of Education. The program’s objective is to provide accredited training, apprenticeships, and career pathways for individuals within the region, linking the development of energy infrastructure directly to local employment and skills.
The RESLP is structured around several key initiatives. It includes industry school partnerships, which aim to introduce students to the opportunities available in the renewable energy sector from an early age. There are also trade readiness courses, such as the “Girls Can Too” program, designed to encourage a more diverse range of participants to enter the field. Furthermore, the program will feature local skills coordinators who will work to connect various parties, and it will provide dedicated support for apprenticeships and traineeships, with a particular emphasis on increasing the participation of women in the renewables sector.
The Central-West Orana REZ is a large-scale project that has the potential to generate a substantial number of jobs. At its peak, the project is expected to create approximately 5,000 construction jobs, which underscores the need for a targeted approach to workforce development. By investing in regional training and skills, these initiatives aim to ensure that the economic benefits of the energy transition are shared with the communities where the infrastructure is being developed. This approach recognises the importance of human capital in supporting the shift to a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
