A multimillion-dollar training initiative has been launched as part of EnergyConnect to boost skills in the power transmission sector across regional New South Wales.
Legacy 100 is predicted to result in up to 100 candidates completing qualifications in Transmission Line Construction as part of the $1.8 billion EnergyConnect project being built from Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Major Projects, Gordon Taylor, said, “Transgrid and its construction partner SecureEnergy are committed to investing in the nation’s energy workforce to address skills and jobs shortages in regional New South Wales and support Australia’s great transition to clean energy.
“The first of 1,500 towers are currently being installed on EnergyConnect in southwestern New South Wales, with stringing of 9,000km of conductor cabling to get underway shortly requiring hundreds of workers.
“There will be no transition without transmission and Legacy 100 will form the backbone of the future workforce in the transmission tower construction industry, with workers to use the skills gained on EnergyConnect to build other future transmission line projects.
“The comprehensive program will help the Australian energy sector to grow its own riggers and doggers, boosting jobs and skills in regional New South Wales, and reducing reliance on overseas trained workers.”
SecureEnergy Project Director, Samuel Basanta Lopez, said 100 candidates from across the Riverina and other parts of regional New South Wales are now wanted to join the program and take their careers to new heights.
“This is the first time in this country an initiative like this has been launched and we are very proud to be developing the skills and capabilities required for the Australian energy sector,” Mr Basanta Lopez said.
“Legacy 100 will be undertaken initially in Wagga Wagga by Ironbark Training which will target local and Indigenous candidates across the Riverina and Thomson Bridge which is the only Registered Training Organisation that has this qualification on scope.
“We are looking for local and regionally based people who have a passion for working at heights, and an ability to work away from home and live in a worker accommodation camp for 21 days at a time. Prospective candidates only need a current white card to seize the opportunities ahead.”
Featured image: Works begin on a transmission tower. Courtesy of TransGrid.
