NSW Skills for Net Zero is designed to connect tertiary students with paid internships in workplaces working towards net zero outcomes. Delivered by CSIRO and funded by the NSW Government, the initiative focuses on matching student capability with real project needs inside businesses.
For employers, the model centres on practical outcomes. Businesses can access a pool of students studying across disciplines such as engineering, science, finance and policy, reflecting the broad skill base required for decarbonisation work.
The program manages recruitment and placement support, with CSIRO overseeing onboarding, placement delivery and completion. This reduces the administrative burden for participating organisations and allows them to focus on project delivery.
Addressing workforce gaps through placements
The initiative provides businesses with access to students who can contribute directly to decarbonisation-focused projects. Each placement runs for a minimum of 200 hours, with students formally employed and paid at least $25 per hour plus superannuation.
Employers also receive a contribution of up to $2,500 towards wages on completion of the internship. Flexible arrangements allow businesses to engage students part-time or full-time throughout the year, depending on project requirements.
The structure allows organisations to test future workforce capability while progressing work that may otherwise be delayed due to resourcing constraints.
A case study involving the Port of Newcastle highlights how the program is being used in practice. The organisation engaged a student intern to support work on its net zero business plan, contributing analysis of emissions data, mitigation pathways and carbon offset strategies.
Reducing recruitment effort and cost
Participating businesses report that the program simplifies hiring and reduces the time required to source suitable candidates.
“I found the process with NSW Skills for Net Zero really easy; the streamlined recruitment process saved us a lot of time and the three candidates they provided us were amazing,” said Zoe Ronalds, People and Culture Advisor at the Port of Newcastle.
By handling candidate screening and matching, the initiative allows businesses to access pre-qualified students with relevant skills and academic performance, typically at credit average or above.
The program also supports longer-term workforce planning. Students who complete placements may continue working with host organisations, reducing future recruitment and onboarding costs.
Creating immediate value inside organisations
Beyond workforce supply, businesses report direct operational benefits from hosting interns. Students contribute research, analysis and project support that feeds into live decarbonisation workstreams.
“It’s refreshing to have interested and enthusiastic tertiary students coming through the business. It is rewarding to know that you are helping them out with some valuable experience, while also benefiting from an additional resource in the team,” said Ruth Madden, ESG and Sustainability Manager at the Port of Newcastle.
This dual outcome allows organisations to progress internal initiatives while also building capability within their teams through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
Example placement supporting industry applications
An internship with Advitech, currently available in Mayfield demonstrates how the program is applied across sectors. The placement focuses on environmental monitoring technologies used in mining and agriculture, including remote sensing systems that reduce the need for site travel and support data-driven environmental management.
The role involves market research, competitor analysis and identifying opportunities linked to emissions reduction, water use and reporting obligations. It also contributes to positioning technologies that support businesses working towards net zero targets.
This type of placement reflects how internships can be embedded in commercial work, rather than operating as observational roles.
Building a pipeline into net zero careers
For students, the program provides paid, structured experience in decarbonisation work, supported by workplace mentors and industry supervision. Participants also gain exposure to professional environments and build networks that can extend beyond the placement.
Eligibility is limited to NSW-based students in their final or penultimate year of study across vocational and university pathways. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and able to enter into employment contracts.
The program is intended to help graduates transition into roles focused on decarbonisation, supporting workforce demand as industries shift towards lower emissions operations.
A practical link between education and industry
NSW Skills for Net Zero connects workforce development directly to business activity, with placements shaped by project needs rather than academic frameworks.
As more organisations work towards emissions targets, access to skilled labour remains a constraint. Programs that integrate students into active projects provide a way to address this while building experience within the future workforce.
For regions with a concentration of energy, resources and heavy industry activity, this model creates a direct pathway between training and the skills required to deliver on net zero commitments.
