The Snowy 2.0 project, heralded as Australia’s largest committed renewable energy undertaking, also aims to transform young careers in the Snowy region. An integral part of Snowy 2.0’s mission includes providing local students with hands-on learning opportunities. Eight Year 12 students from Monaro High School are the most recent to benefit, graduating with a Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations.
PHOTO: Snowy Hydro is equipping the next generation of workers with employable skills CREDIT: Snowy Hydro
This achievement was attained through a school-based traineeship conducted at the Snowy 2.0 site in Cooma and represents a significant partnership with the NSW Department of Education’s School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) programme, TAFE NSW, and Monaro High School.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, highlighted the transformative impact of this programme, stating, “The Minns Labor Government is proud to support more initiatives like this, especially in regional communities to ensure students can train, work, and build great careers.”
PHOTO: Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan
Mr Whan emphasised the importance of equipping young people with skills that are not only employable locally but also in high demand across the entire economy.
Principal James Armitage of Monaro High School praised the students’ enthusiasm and the programme’s potential, stating, “This SBAT partnership has shown how powerful it is when education and industry come together with a shared goal of supporting young people into meaningful careers.”
PHOTO: Monaro High School Principal, James Armitage CREDIT: NSW Government
Dennis Barnes, Snowy Hydro CEO, added, “Snowy 2.0 is not just about building Australia’s largest renewable energy project – we’re creating a lasting skills legacy in the Snowy Mountains.”
In total, around 30 local high school students have engaged with the SBAT programme at Snowy 2.0, with 12 transitioning into full-time employment on this groundbreaking project.
The initiative demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to fostering education-industry partnerships, ensuring a skilled workforce ready to thrive within and beyond the region.