We’re told that the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will provide a jobs boom across the region, and the State Government is certainly doing its bit, providing $2.9 million to boost the regional workforce for the project.

Regional workers and students are said to benefit from the spending on training, jobs, and inclusive opportunities through the Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Program.

This project aims to deliver accredited training, apprenticeships and career pathways to ensure local communities are first in line for thousands of jobs created through the transformation of the NSW energy grid, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, has said.

“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,” Ms Sharpe revealed.

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

The program is being run by EnergyCo and the Department of Education and intends to deliver four major initiatives in the Central-West Orana REZ:

• Industry School Partnerships. These are school-based collaborations, careers learning, and trade readiness courses (including the 'Girls Can Too' program).

• Local Skills Coordinators. Locally-based coordinators to connect training providers, employers, and job-seekers to employment opportunities.

• Supporting Apprenticeships and Traineeships. To increase the uptake of apprenticeships and traineeships with local employers.

• Women in Renewables: Expands programs such as Women in Construction Taster Program.

The Central-West Orana REZ claims it will create around 5000 construction jobs at its peak, with further employment for decades to come, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said.

“This announcement during National Skills Week highlights the... commitment to preparing workers for the future,” Mr Whan said.

“These are the jobs of the future, and we want to make sure local people have the chance to benefit,” he added.

Orana is the first of five renewable energy zones that are designed to deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for NSW households and businesses.