New.E – Hunter New Energy will partner with EnergyCo to present Local Jobs, Renewable Future, a free Hunter Energy Knowledge Exchange focusing on employment, workforce development and opportunities for regional businesses.
According to EnergyCo, NSW’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is expected to attract up to $77 billion in private investment, while the state’s five Renewable Energy Zones and priority infrastructure projects are forecast to create approximately 6,970 direct jobs during peak construction and 4,450 ongoing direct jobs, primarily in regional areas.
These NSW-wide forecasts also point to demand beyond the construction and operation of energy infrastructure, with opportunities expected in manufacturing, transport and the supply of goods and services.
The Newcastle event will explore how the Hunter can prepare for these workforce requirements, with discussions involving renewable energy developers, employers, education providers and organisations supporting regional workforce development.
New.E Co-Leads Boris Novak and Clare Larkin-Sykes will open the event with an overview of the region’s workforce capabilities and the opportunities associated with renewable energy development.
Understanding the jobs and skills required
A central focus will be EnergyCo’s recently launched NSW Renewable Energy Jobs Guide, which provides information about the occupations, qualifications and training pathways associated with renewable energy infrastructure.
EnergyCo representatives Walter Mansfield and Emily Davis O’Sullivan will explain how the guide was developed and discuss what jobs will be needed, when workforce demand is expected and where opportunities may emerge across NSW’s Renewable Energy Zones.
EnergyCo has identified electricians, metal trades workers, civil and electrical engineers, construction managers and engineering trade assistants among the occupations expected to be in demand.
The guide is intended to help students, jobseekers, career changers, employers and educators understand the skills required to plan, build, operate and maintain renewable energy projects.
The Knowledge Exchange will also consider how young people can be introduced to these career pathways before entering the workforce.
Duncan Burck from Net will present education and workforce development initiatives connecting schools, students and educators with renewable energy technologies, career opportunities and future skills requirements.
His presentation will examine how practical learning programs and partnerships between education providers and industry can help students understand the range of employment opportunities available in the sector.
Turning local content commitments into local jobs
While renewable energy development is expected to generate demand for workers and services, connecting that demand with regional businesses and employees will be another focus of the event.
An industry discussion involving HunterNet Career Connections, Zenviron and Bouygues Construction Australia will examine how local content requirements can translate into employment and business opportunities.
Facilitated by Nick Couper from HunterNet Career Connections, the panel will feature Beth Rigby from Zenviron and Sarah Craven from Bouygues Construction Australia.
The discussion will draw on local and national industry experience to explore how businesses can engage renewable energy developers and contractors, respond to project workforce requirements and develop pathways into the sector.
It will also consider the role of employers, training organisations and industry partnerships in preparing workers for emerging opportunities.
An audience question-and-answer session will follow, allowing participants to discuss skills gaps, workforce readiness and ways to strengthen connections between industry, government and education providers.
Event details and registration
Local Jobs, Renewable Future will be held on Wednesday 11 November 2026, from 8 am to 10 am at EnergyCo’s offices in Newcastle.
The event is intended for renewable energy project developers and contractors, local employers and suppliers, workforce development organisations, education and training providers, industry associations and government agencies.
Attendance is free, but places are limited and advance registration is essential.
