The State and Federal Governments will invest $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for NSW’s renewable energy rollout, with regional communities including the Hunter expected to benefit.
The Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched by Energy Minister Penny Sharpe and Skills Minister Steve Whan in Orange, aims to support the State’s Energy Roadmap, which is forecast to generate around 7,000 construction jobs and 4,500 ongoing roles.
The Strategy includes programs ranging from school‑based trade tasters to apprenticeships, traineeships and long-term employment pathways. It also features initiatives to encourage more women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into the sector.
As part of the plan, the Regional Industry Education Partnerships program will be expanded, giving students more direct links with renewable energy employers and hands‑on exposure to career opportunities. New Skills Coordinator roles will also be created to connect industry, training providers and communities.
Transgrid is expected to be a major contributor to the Roadmap, with projects such as EnergyConnect and the Hunter Transmission Project relying heavily on a skilled regional workforce.
