This project isn’t just powering Australia – it’s empowering the next generation of skilled workers through VET pathways
As Australia’s largest committed renewable energy project, Snowy 2.0 is reinforcing regional NSW’s role in the clean energy transition. It’s delivering long-term jobs and economic benefits. Plus, it’s powering next-gen careers by providing vocational education and training (VET) pathways.
Eight Year 12 students from Monaro High School have become the first to graduate with a Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations through a school-based traineeship hosted on-site at Snowy 2.0 in Cooma.
What is Snowy 2.0?
Snowy 2.0 is a major renewable energy project that involves expanding the existing Snowy Scheme. It’s massive and considered one of the world’s civil engineering wonders. The Scheme includes eight power stations, 16 major dams, 80 kilometres of aqueducts and 145 kilometres of interconnected tunnels!
Training + industry = career-ready
Delivered through the NSW Department of Education’s School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) program in partnership with TAFE NSW and Monaro High School, the Certificate II has given students practical skills in logistics, workplace safety and supply chain operations.
Better yet, they’ve earned while they learned – being paid while completing their school studies and gaining industry experience on one of Australia’s most high-profile renewable energy projects.
From classroom to clean energy careers
Since the SBAT program began, around 30 local students have completed various SBAT qualifications at Snowy 2.0, with 12 moving straight into full-time jobs on the project.
That means students are leaving school not just with a qualification, but with the skills, experience and industry networks to step straight into careers in renewable energy, infrastructure and other in-demand sectors.
Why VET pathways matter for the clean energy transition
How can you get involved? Projects like Snowy 2.0 show just how valuable VET pathways are for Australia’s future workforce. As the demand for skills in renewable energy, infrastructure and supply chain operations grows, hands-on, industry-connected training helps students:
- Get job-ready faster with practical experience.
- Earn while they learn through paid traineeships.
- Access high-demand careers in both regional and metropolitan areas.
And with the clean energy transition creating thousands of jobs across Australia, students with VET qualifications have opportunities to work close to home or take their skills anywhere in the country!
Thinking about a career in renewable energy or infrastructure?
Explore VET pathways, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and TAFE qualifications that can fast-track you into these booming industries.
Image: Check out Snowy Hydro’s Tumut 3 Power Station & Talbingo Dam. Credit: Flickr.com/Stephen Edmonds (CC BY-SA 2.0)
