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As Australia moves towards a net zero economy, several coal-fired power stations and associated mines will close over the coming decades.
The Authority is committed to making this shift as fair and orderly as possible, with dedicated support for workers and communities impacted by major closures. This includes helping workers move into new industries, access training and reskilling opportunities, and receive career and financial guidance so they can make informed decisions about their future.
Support for closures
In the lead up to a power station closing in a region, we will also undertake an assessment process. The assessment will determine if extra support is needed for power station workers under the Energy Industry Jobs Plan.
Building a net zero workforce for the future
A number of place-based transition plans are in place supporting the workers, businesses, and communities most affected by the shift to net zero.
NZEA engages the next generation at the Hunter Careers Expo
The Net Zero Economy Authority connected with thousands of students, educators and families at the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Careers Expo.
Investing in the Hunter’s future: The Melt is empowering the next generation of innovators
In the energy heartland of New South Wales, the Hunter region is home to a major clean energy transformation. At its forefront is The Melt, an innovative company that has been helping businesses grow since 2019.
Excellence in action: Hunter's net zero manufacturing revolution
TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus in Newcastle
Stories from workers
Hear directly from workers on how they have adapted and found new opportunities in the net zero transition.
Latrobe Magnesium: creating jobs, driving innovation and paving a path for reduced emissions
Take a look inside Latrobe Magnesium’s demonstration production plant in the Latrobe Valley.
Making the transition from power station to drones
Power station worker, Adrian is preparing for his future by building a career in drone technology with his wife.
Firing up a new venture: power station worker becomes a pizza entrepreneur
Pusky is a former power station worker from Collie who’s flipped the script and fired up a whole new chapter with his first-ever mobile pizza business.
With new energy comes new opportunities
As Australia transitions to net zero, its workforce will also change
General support
Across the country, support is available to help workers prepare for and navigate the transition to net zero. These services are designed to assist workers with the tools and information they need to plan their next steps. Find out what support is available to workers Australia-wide.
Training & upskilling
The government offers a range of training, upskilling, and reskilling resources to support workers through the transition to net zero.
Career transition (Opens in new window)
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations' Regional Workforce Transition Officers (RWTOs) help business, industry, and communities navigate and coordinate the transition to net zero.
Career transition support for mature workers (Opens in new window)
Helping people 45 years and over become more competitive in the local labour market.
Transition support (Opens in new window)
The Transition Support Network that helps retrenched workers to find a new job and helps employers though the retrenchment process.
Regional support
We are also supporting the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to develop Regional Workforce Transition Plans. These plans will provide transition supports to workers, their families and communities that are significantly impacted by facility closures.
Collie, WA
Several place-based plans are in place across Collie to support workers, businesses, and communities affected by the transition to net zero.
Collie Just Transition Package (Opens in new window)
Government, community and industry working together to deliver a positive and orderly transition for Collie.
Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence, Western Australia (Opens in new window)
Providing world-class training across the TAFE network to grow Australia’s clean energy skills and workforce capacity.
Jobs and Skills Centre (Opens in new window)
Supporting the local population with free support to help gain employment.
Regional Workforce Transition Officers (Opens in new window)
Help business, industries, and communities navigate the net zero transition.
Find your local RWTO at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence (Opens in new window)
Provide world-class training across Western Australia's TAFE network to grow Australia’s clean energy skills and workforce capacity.
Contact
Have questions, feedback or want to connect? Choose from the contact options below.
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