Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) has partnered with leading renewable energy producer Neoen to help the Indigenous and local community in the remote town of Coleambally NSW, by providing invaluable renewable energy industry knowledge.
Located in the Riverina Region, Coleambally has recently become home to the largest, fully operational solar photovoltaic facility in Australia. The 189 MWp solar farm, which is owned and operated by Neoen, produces over 390,000 Megawatt-hour (MWh) of clean, emission-free, renewable energy per annum, enough to power more than 65,000 NSW households.
Neoen is proud to partner with CIT to provide this training, as it will increasingly be a source of local employment for the future.
“Neoen is committed to local community and economic growth in the Coleambally region, and more widely across all of our operations in Australia. Job creation is a major aspect of any project we undertake – as far as possible, we use the services of the local industries to maximise the benefits to each region and bolster their economies. The training partnership with CIT will deliver new skills and education, enabling local students and residents to gain future employment in the renewable energy sector,” managing director for Neoen Australia Franck Woitiez said.
CIT teachers are delivering the week-long training at the Coleambally Central School with Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre. Both organisations jumped at the opportunity to provide their students with entry-level qualifications to work in trades and renewable energy industry awareness.
“The program has been an amazing addition to Tirkandi’s aim of strengthening resilience, reengaging the boys with an education or vocational pathway, and teaching them life-skills to support their growth,” Tirkandi centre manager Matt Watts said.
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Coleambally Central School said this exciting initiative delivers work competencies based on the renewable energy industry and is a wonderful opportunity for students.
“Community partnerships play an important role in delivering services and programs to our school community, focusing on improving the opportunities available to our students and their families, fostering greater integration between the school and communities and creating better outcomes for students,” Coleambally Central School principal Timothy Allen said.
CIT CEO Leanne Cover added, “This training will change the lives of this community, providing them with diverse, transferable skills in a regional area where employment opportunities in the renewable industry are emerging.”