A group of Tumut high school students has been given a glimpse of job opportunities in the booming renewables sector as part of a first-time course at TAFE NSW Tumut.
The year 10 and 11 students from Tumut High School and McAuley Catholic College attended the inaugural Renewables Ready two-day course last month.
It comes as the Riverina emerges as a renewable energy powerhouse, including the construction of large wind farms in Jerilderie and Hay, major solar projects in Coleambally, Darlington Point, Hay and Deniliquin and a proposal for the Bondo Wind Farm near Tumut.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, up to 450,000 jobs are expected to be created in Australia’s clean energy construction sector by 2030, representing around one-third of all jobs growth nationally.
TAFE NSW electrotechnology teacher Pete Woodlands, who delivered the course, said the program helped broaden students’ understanding of the career opportunities emerging in the renewables sector.
“These young people will be at the forefront of the future renewables workforce, and for many of them, this was their first real insight into what that industry looks like,” Mr Woodlands said.
“Many students didn’t realise the scale of the industry in our own region, or just how many jobs will be created in the years ahead.”
Mr Woodlands said the course touched on solar, wind, hydro and battery power, and included a number of interactive, hands-on experiments.
This program was coordinated through the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program that designs and delivers bespoke opportunities for employers to connect with secondary schools. Through these connections, students learn about jobs and pathways to employment. They develop new skills and employer networks, allowing them to make informed decisions about their career pathways. Employers have the opportunity to educate students about their industry and actively participate in the development of talent pipelines.
Tumut High year 11 student Alex McGrath, 16, attended the workshop and said it had strengthened his resolve to explore a career as an electrician in the renewables sector.
“I did work experience with Snowy Hydro as a fitter and turner but I have also been investigating other career options,” Alex said.
“The TAFE NSW course was so hands-on and engaging, and it was great to hear about how effective many different renewables are.
“We made a solar-powered fan and put different batteries in these little cars to test which one powered it the best.
“The big take-out for me was the many jobs the renewables industry would create and how much better it is for our future.”
The other student to attend from Tumut High, Tristan Hughes, was so taken by the workshop he has recently undertaken work experience as an electrician.
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