The high school students learned a lot from the two-day program. Photo: TAFE NSW.
As the Riverina cements its place as one of Australia’s emerging renewable energy hubs, a group of Griffith school students has been given an early look at the jobs likely to power that future.
Year 10 students from Griffith High, Wade High, Verity Christian College and Marion Catholic College last week attended the inaugural “Renewables Ready” course at TAFE NSW Griffith, designed to introduce young people to the fast-growing clean energy sector.
“I wanted to see what kind of jobs were involved as I’m interested in looking at it as a career,” 15-year-old Allanna King said.
“Switching to renewables is important and the course helped me know more about how we could implement it in ways that are practical and sustainable.
“My main takeout was that there are already a lot of jobs in renewables but that will just continue to grow into the future.”
The two-day program comes amid a wave of large-scale projects across the region, including major wind farm developments in Jerilderie and Hay, and solar projects in Coleambally, Darlington Point, Hay and Deniliquin. Together, they form part of a broader shift away from fossil fuels, with regional areas like the Riverina playing a central role in generating, storing and distributing renewable power.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, up to 450,000 jobs are expected to be created in the nation’s clean energy construction sector by 2030 — accounting for around one-third of all jobs growth. Many of those roles are expected to be based in regional communities.
The Riverina had been a focal point for the industry, with a number of solar and wind farms being established around Wagga, Coleambally and Griffith.
Students reached for the sky during the program. Photo: TAFE NSW.
Allanna, who has a strong interest in climate action, said the experience strengthened her interest in pursuing a future in the sector.
TAFE NSW electrotechnology teacher Pete Woodlands, who delivered the course, said it aimed to broaden students’ understanding of the diverse career pathways emerging as Australia transitioned to cleaner energy sources.
“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.”
The course covered key technologies including solar, wind, hydro and battery storage — all critical components of a modern renewable energy system — and featured hands-on experiments to give students practical insight into how the systems work.
The program was delivered as part of the VET Taster Programs, funded by the NSW Department of Education, and is expected to be expanded as demand for skilled workers in the renewables sector continues to grow.
