Spark Renewables supported AgVision 2026 at Yanco Agricultural High School as part of our commitment to create stronger education, training and employment pathways for communities surrounding the Dinawan Energy Hub.
Coordinated by the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) and supported by the NSW Department of Education, AgVision brought together 550 students from across the region to explore industries, occupations and future career opportunities.
Spark Renewables’ involvement forms part of the Social Value, Local Content and Employment program being developed for the Dinawan Energy Hub. The program brings together commitments intended to ensure the project delivers lasting local benefits, including community and neighbour benefit programs, local employment and procurement, First Nations employment and business participation, education and training partnerships, critical infrastructure investment, workforce development and initiatives to increase participation by women in the clean energy workforce.
Spark Renewables has established a dedicated Social Value team to lead the development and implementation of these commitments, including Training and School Leaver Partnerships aimed at connecting people in surrounding rural communities with relevant skills, education, training pathways and industry knowledge. Spark Renewables’ sponsorship of AgVision forms part of the delivery of this commitment, providing an opportunity to engage directly with young people and educators about pathways into the renewable energy industry.
As part of the event, Spark Renewables delivered workshops for teachers focused on renewable energy and common questions and misconceptions about the industry.
Senior Development Manager Julian Kasby said investment in education and training was an important part of ensuring regional communities could participate directly in the opportunities created by new energy infrastructure.
“Renewable energy projects will require people with a very broad range of skills, and we want young people growing up in regional communities to be able to see themselves in those jobs,” said Julian.
“For us, this is about starting well before recruitment begins. It means working with schools, teachers, training providers and organisations such as RIEP to help young people understand what opportunities are coming and what qualifications or experience can help them get there.”
“Regional renewable energy development should create opportunities for people to build careers without necessarily having to leave the communities they grew up in.”
Spark Renewables is developing the Dinawan Energy Hub between Jerilderie and Coleambally and is working with regional partners to strengthen local training and employment pathways ahead of future workforce needs.
“Keeping more of the employment benefit within the region requires deliberate investment in the local skills pipeline,” said Julian.
“We heard from teachers how important it is to connect with young people early and introduce them to pathways into the industry, so that when jobs become available, local candidates are in a strong position to compete for them.”
ENDS