New resource helps workers navigate NSW's renewable energy transition
EnergyCo has released a NSW Renewable Energy Jobs Guide to help students, apprentices, experienced workers and people considering retraining identify the occupations, skills and qualifications needed across the state's growing renewable energy sector, with additional resources tailored to each of NSW's five Renewable Energy Zones.
Workers considering a move into renewable energy can now explore the occupations, qualifications and training pathways needed to help deliver NSW's expanding pipeline of electricity infrastructure projects.
EnergyCo has released the NSW Renewable Energy Jobs Guide, bringing together information on careers in renewable electricity generation, storage and transmission, from construction and technical trades to engineering, project management and operational support.
The guide is designed for school students considering future careers, apprentices entering the workforce, people looking to retrain and experienced professionals interested in applying their existing skills to the renewable energy sector.
It also includes separate resources for the Central-West Orana, New England, Hunter-Central Coast, South West and Illawarra Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), recognising that workforce requirements will vary between regions.
Meeting NSW's renewable energy workforce needs
The release comes as NSW progresses the delivery of Renewable Energy Zones and supporting infrastructure under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
According to EnergyCo, the state's renewable energy development program will require more than 9,000 workers at peak workforce demand, with approximately 40 per cent of roles associated with trades and technicians.
EnergyCo has also identified ongoing employment opportunities associated with operating and maintaining renewable energy and electricity network infrastructure.
Meeting these requirements will involve attracting new workers while providing opportunities for people already employed in industries with relevant technical and professional skills.
EnergyCo identifies electricians, metal trades workers, civil and electrical engineers, construction workers and project managers among occupations expected to be in demand.
Career pathways beyond construction
The guide covers four broad areas of employment, reflecting the different skills needed throughout the development and operation of renewable energy projects.
Trades and technicians undertake practical work associated with building, installing, maintaining and repairing renewable energy and electricity infrastructure.
Engineering and project delivery roles cover design, planning, construction, commissioning and technical management across generation, storage and transmission projects.
Site support workers contribute to activities including equipment handling, plant operation, construction support and site preparation.
The guide also identifies opportunities in specialist and corporate roles, including community engagement, finance, human resources, technology, governance and project management.
These occupations demonstrate that employment in renewable energy extends beyond those directly installing wind turbines, solar panels, batteries and transmission lines.
Many roles involve skills already used in construction, manufacturing, mining, infrastructure delivery and other industries.
Regional guides reflect different project requirements
Alongside the statewide resource, EnergyCo has developed individual career guides for NSW's five Renewable Energy Zones.
Each provides information on the occupations, skills and training pathways associated with renewable energy development in its region.
The resources recognise that workforce demand will depend on the type of infrastructure being developed and the stage individual projects have reached.
The Central-West Orana and New England REZs, for example, are associated with new renewable generation and transmission infrastructure, while the Hunter-Central Coast and Illawarra regions also have established industrial workforces and electricity infrastructure.
The South West REZ forms another part of the state's planned renewable electricity network, with its own project delivery and workforce requirements.
The regional guides are intended to help prospective workers understand how their skills and qualifications may relate to opportunities closer to home.
Connecting workers with training
The new guide also directs users towards existing employment and training resources, including TAFE NSW renewable energy courses and career information developed by education and industry organisations.
EnergyCo's employment and training resources include information about the Renewable Energy Group Training Organisation Program and Renewables Taster Program.
These initiatives form part of broader efforts to develop the workforce needed to construct and operate renewable energy infrastructure.
The guide itself is an information resource rather than a recruitment program. It does not represent an announcement of additional vacancies or new funded training places.
For people considering a career change, it provides a starting point for identifying relevant occupations, understanding qualification requirements and exploring available training options.
