A $15 million investment over four years will help train workers for New South Wales' growing renewable energy sector. The program aims to prepare the skilled workforce needed for renewable energy projects and create thousands of jobs across regional NSW.
The funding supports the Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, which is designed to meet the workforce needs of the state's Energy Roadmap. The roadmap is expected to create around 7,000 jobs during peak construction and about 4,500 ongoing jobs.
The strategy focuses on developing skills for workers who will design, build, and maintain renewable energy generation, storage, and transmission projects across the state.
The program includes school-based trade experience activities, apprenticeships, traineeships, and pathways to long-term employment. It also includes programs to encourage greater participation by women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
As part of the investment, the Regional Industry Education Partnerships program will expand. This will strengthen connections between schools and renewable energy employers, giving students more opportunities to learn about local careers.
The strategy will also introduce Skills Coordinators who will work with employers, training providers, schools, and local communities to help students and workers enter the renewable energy industry.
Major energy infrastructure projects, including new electricity transmission networks, are expected to increase demand for skilled workers as renewable energy development continues across NSW.
The investment also builds on existing programs that support apprenticeships, traineeships, and renewable energy training through TAFE and other education providers.