Around 100 people gathered at the Town Hall in Armidale today, to explore the growing number of employment and business opportunities in New England's renewable energy sector.
The inaugural New England Renewable Energy Careers Expo is designed for senior high school students, job seekers and those looking to build their businesses to service the renewable energy industry.
The Expo was organised by a collaboration of local, state and federal government and community-based organisations. Armidale Mayor Sam Coupland, Elder Steve Widders, and representatives from Squadron Energy, ACEN Australia and EnergyCo were among the many speakers who came to discuss workforce preparedness, local employment pathways, business opportunities and the role of renewable energy in the region's economic future.
"Bringing stakeholders together like this is key to building a strong renewable energy workforce in New England. Collaboration, rather than competition, will ensure we have the skills and capacity needed to support the region's growing opportunities," says Brad Donnan, Northern NSW Regional Manager at Industry Capability Network NSW.
As the renewable energy sector expands in New England, so do the employment and economic opportunities. However, communities and local businesses must be ready to take advantage of them. The Expo provided practical guidance on the skills, services and partnerships needed to support a thriving renewable energy workforce.
"The New England Renewable Energy Zone is a massive economic opportunity — but only if we seize it. Developers need to embed social value by investing in local traineeships, partnering with Aboriginal businesses, and creating real pathways for local workers," says Heidi McElnea, Regional Partnerships Coordinator at Community Power Agency.
The event showcased the range of organisations that are ready and willing to enter into these new opportunities, as well as a keenness among high school students and job seekers.
"This event was about bringing people together and fostering meaningful conversations, building connections and ensuring everyone understands the opportunities ahead" says Sewa Emojong from Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program.
"By connecting young people, job seekers, businesses and industry leaders, we're creating practical pathways that will lead to positive community outcomes."
As the region navigates the transition to renewable energy, events like today's Careers Expo will help ensure local workers and businesses are well-positioned to thrive.
