Antinuclear

Opportunities for jobs and TAFE in renewable energy in New South Wales

TAFE key for new renewable energy industries, says Brown  Maitland Mercury  By NICK BIELBY Feb. 24, 2015,

Manufacturing products and equipment for the renewable energy sector could combat the rising unemployment rate in the Hunter Valley, Greens candidate for Maitland John Brown says. He said TAFE could be the place to train employees for work in the new industry.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that unemployment reached 11.4 per cent in the Hunter, outside Newcastle, last month – almost double the state ­average of 6.3 per cent. This was a rise from 7.1 per cent in January, 2014.

Greens reveal plans for Hunter beyond coal | VIDEO

Mr Brown said the Greens’ plan to strengthen TAFE would help to address the rising unemployment rate in the Hunter. But he said it was equally important to develop an alternative industry to replace jobs in mining, one of the region’s largest employers, so training could be targeted.

Mr Brown said manufacturing for renewable energy projects, such as solar panels, could become a thriving industry in the Hunter.

“There has been a downturn in the coal industry and I think that will be a long-term downturn,” he said.

February 25, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News