Local workers in regional New South Wales will be first in line for clean energy jobs following a AU$1.5 million state government investment targeting apprentice electricians and tradespeople in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The Group Training Organisation (GTO) program aims to supply the skilled workforce needed to construct and operate the region’s renewable energy network.
The REZ project is projected to create more than 1,800 construction jobs alongside roughly 1,000 ongoing operational roles.
Delivered by local non-profit Skillset alongside EnergyCo and the NSW Department of Education, the program provides free pre-apprenticeship and pre-employment training. This provides aspiring workers with essential qualifications, tickets, and practical skills to enter the renewable energy sector immediately.
The GTO framework addresses a major industry bottleneck by allowing businesses to host apprentices for specific project durations rather than making full four-year commitments.
If a contract ends, Skillset reallocates trainees to another host employer, ensuring uninterrupted training across diverse job sites while slashing administrative costs for local companies.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe noted that REZs are designed to deliver long-term regional economic benefits.
“Renewable Energy Zones are about more than building the energy system NSW needs – they also create local jobs and business opportunities for regional communities,” Sharpe said.
“By allowing employers to take on apprentices for the duration of their project, then placing the apprentices with other projects to complete their studies, we’ll help more tradies kick-start their career and give them a strong future.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said that the flexible structure ensures young locals secure well-paid regional jobs while meeting government targets, including a minimum 20 per cent apprentice workforce in trades.
“This program makes it easier and cheaper for businesses to take on local apprentices by cutting red tape and reducing admin, so they can gain the qualifications needed and build long-term careers in an industry with a strong future,” Whan added.
The initiative adds to over AU$13 million already committed to local workforce initiatives in the region.
