Gippsland residents are being given the opportunity to embark on a career in the burgeoning clean energy sector through the 'earn and learn' jobs program, backed by government support.
During a visit to Alinta Energy in Morwell, Minister for Employment Vicki Ward met with participants in a Jobs Victoria energy project that aims to provide training and employment opportunities for people facing challenges in securing work.
With a budget of $2.65 million, the initiative is supporting 130 jobs in the renewable energy supply chain and related industries in Gippsland and Melbourne's south-east.
Opportunities include solar hot water production, battery recycling, solar installation and customer service, and people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including young people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities and the long-term unemployed.
Cherie, who lives in Morwell, found employment as a customer service representative at the Alinta Energy call centre after struggling to find work. She heard about the program, contacted Maxima, a program partner, and was supported through the application process, training and job placement.
Working in partnership with the Latrobe Valley Authority, Solar Victoria and Maxima, Jobs Victoria aims to provide industry expertise, skills development pathways and essential connections to deliver the project.
Participants in the program will be placed in stable, entry-level positions for a minimum of 12 months and will receive comprehensive support to ensure their success in their chosen career path.
A robust energy workforce is essential as Victoria strives to meet its ambitious target of 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2025, creating 59,000 jobs and an additional 6,000 apprenticeships.
For more information, please visit https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers/earn-and-learn.