NSW government announces $2.9 million training program for Central West Renewable Energy Zone

The NSW government has announced a new Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Program, which it says will benefit regional workers and students in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ.)

According to a statement on Friday, the $2.9 million program will provide “training, jobs and inclusive opportunities” by delivering training, apprenticeships and career pathways related to the transformation of the state’s energy grid.

It lists four major initiatives: Industry School Partnerships, Local Skills Coordinators, Supporting Apprenticeships and Traineeships and Women in Renewables.

“The Central-West Orana REZ is not just about keeping the lights on for NSW homes and businesses – it’s about building a skilled local workforce, a thriving regional economy and opportunities for locals,” said state climate change minister Penny Sharpe.

“The Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Program will help ensure the NSW energy transformation delivers real jobs and long-term benefits for regional communities.”

The REZ is Australia’s first, and described as being “20,000 square kilometres centred by Dubbo and Dunedoo”, providing “at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity” and expected to attract “billions of dollars in private investment” to the region by 2030.

Picture: the state's REZs (credit NSW government)

Further reading

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