Youth forum to highlight job opportunities in renewable energy

To help prepare for the future of the Orana region and assist in filling employment skill gaps, RDA Orana will host the inaugural EnergyCo and ACEREZ Orana Youth Forum on Wednesday 6 November 2024. 

The event will include speaker sessions, an exhibition hall featuring more than 30 exhibits from a cross-section of business, vocational, apprenticeship and trainee providers, industry representation and tertiary institutions, as well as an outdoor interactive space.

RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell said the region was growing at a rapid pace with new industries which included the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and critical mineral mining. 

“The inaugural EnergyCo and ACEREZ Orana Youth Forum 2024 provides an opportunity to hear from business, industry leaders, universities and training providers about the jobs for the future.” she said.

Ms Campbell welcomed EnergyCo and ACEREZ as naming sponsors for the inaugural event and said renewable energy was transforming the job market for the future. 

“As the world shifts toward a more sustainable energy future, the demand for renewable energy jobs is on the rise,” she said.

“The renewable energy sector is expected to produce nearly 30,000 jobs over the next few years across the country as we work towards an emissions reduction. These are new jobs, new sectors in an industry that is emerging in front of us.” 

EnergyCo Manager Program Delivery Alison van der Linden said the Central-West Orana REZ was expected to drive $20 billion in regional investment and support 5,000 jobs during peak construction.

“The future of the NSW renewable energy transition is in the hands of young people in our regions. We’re committed to providing them with skills and information to ensure they don’t have to leave their community to find rewarding career opportunities,” she said.

“EnergyCo is dedicated to playing a key role in building a resilient and future-ready workforce in the regions. Being part of the forum gives us an opportunity to do just that.” 

ACEREZ Chief Executive Trevor Armstrong explained how the Central-West Orana REZ would create thousands of quality jobs and skills training closer to home.

“The Central-West Orana region is at the forefront of the energy transition in NSW and the job opportunities are enormous,” he said.

“There are many pathways to securing a career with ACEREZ from vocational training to apprenticeships and traineeships so you can earn while you learn right here in your local community.”

The Forum aims to highlight employment opportunities and showcase the training pathways available to our young people in the region, utilising new energy markets for traineeships and apprenticeships and business in demand.

For more information about the Orana Youth Forum visit www.oranayouthforum.com.au