New.E Knowledge Exchange - November | Local Jobs, Renewable Future

The Hunter's renewable energy transition presents significant opportunities for local jobs, skills development and regional industry growth. But how do we ensure our workforce is informed, prepared and ready to take advantage of these opportunities?

Join New.E and EnergyCo for Local Jobs, Renewable Future, a Knowledge Exchange exploring how government, industry and education initiatives are coming together to build the workforce needed to deliver the region's renewable energy future.

The event will showcase the recently launched NSW Renewable Energy Jobs Guide, alongside Net:Zed education and workforce development initiatives, and a conversation between HunterNet Career Connections, Zenviron, and Bouygues Construction Australia with practical industry perspectives on engaging project developers, meeting local content requirements and connecting local people and businesses with emerging opportunities.

Event Objective

To raise industry awareness of the NSW Renewable Energy Jobs Guide and demonstrate how complementary workforce development, education and industry engagement initiatives are aligning to prepare the Hunter's workforce for emerging renewable energy opportunities.

The event aims to strengthen connections between industry, project developers, employers, training providers and workforce development organisations, supporting a coordinated approach to translating renewable energy investment into local skills, employment and lasting regional economic benefits.

Event Program

8:00 - 8:05 am

Time

Session

Welcome and New.E updates

Boris Novak and Clare Larkin-Sykes, Co-Leads, New.E - Hunter New Energy.

Setting the scene: connecting regional workforce capability with the Hunter's renewable energy future.

8:05 - 8:35 am

NSW Renewable Energy Jobs Guide - Understanding the Jobs, Skills and Opportunities Ahead

Walter Mansfield and Emily Davis O'Sullivan will introduce the recently launched Guide, including how it was developed, key insights into the what, when and where of future renewable energy jobs, and how it can inform workforce planning, education and training pathways across NSW's Renewable Energy Zones.

8:35 - 8:55 am

Net:Zed Inspiring the Next Generation and Building Future Workforce Pathways

Duncan Burck, Net:Zed will showcase initiatives that connect schools, students and educators with renewable energy technologies, career opportunities and future skills needs. Exploring how practical education programs, hands-on learning and industry partnerships are building awareness, strengthening connections between education and industry, and preparing the next generation for employment opportunities in the energy transition.

8:55 - 9:35 am

Industry Conversation - Turning Local Content Commitments into Local Jobs

Facilitator: Nick Couper, HunterNet Career Connections.

Panellists: Beth Rigby, Zenviron; Sarah Craven, Bouygues Construction Australia.

An industry-focused conversation exploring practical local and national experience in engaging developers and contractors, meeting local content requirements, building workforce pipelines and converting renewable energy investment into employment opportunities for regional communities.

9:35 – 10:00 am

Audience Q&A - Connecting the Pieces

An open discussion with all presenters, exploring how industry, government and training providers can collaborate to strengthen local workforce readiness, address skills gaps and maximise regional employment outcomes.

Who Should Attend?

Renewable energy project developers and contractors, local employers and suppliers, workforce development organisations, education and training providers, industry associations, government agencies and others supporting the Hunter's energy transition.

Registration

This is a free event, but registration is essential.

Places are limited, and advance registration is required for catering and venue capacity.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, understand emerging workforce initiatives and help shape the Hunter's renewable energy future.

Register early to secure your place.