Sixteen Year 9 and 10 students from the Mountain Heights School in Queenstown have been given a rare insight into the construction of the Granville Harbour Wind Farm this week, as part of a two-day intensive program aimed at exploring ‘future work’ opportunities in the renewable energy industry.
Granville Harbour Wind Farm Project Manager Peter Young said it was fantastic to welcome local students to the wind farm site and to provide some insights into what it’s like to work on a significant ‘clean infrastructure’ project.
“We’re extremely proud to partner with the Cradle Coast Authority and Beacon Foundation to provide a ‘real-life’ learning experience that we hope will inspire the next generation of West Coast students to consider a career in the renewable energy industry.”
“Tasmania has enviable natural resources and huge renewable energy potential – we are keen to help build capacity locally and encourage more young Tasmanians to develop the necessary skills to work in the industry that will help Tasmania to reach 100 per cent renewable energy by 2022.”
The program included a tour of the Granville Harbour Wind Farm site as well as opportunities to engage with wind farm employees to learn first-hand about the industry and the diverse range of career options available.
“Our workers really enjoyed the opportunity to engage with students and share their own personal experiences, as well as their passion for the industry,” said Mr Young.
“Ensuring that our region derives as much benefit as possible from renewable energy development is a high priority for us and our Member Councils. Helping students, parents and teachers understand what future energy careers look like, is an important and rewarding part of that” said Cradle Coast Authority CEO, Daryl Connelly.
Beacon Foundation State Manager Nick Probert said the innovative Growth Industry Programs (GrIPP) created and delivered by Beacon provided a unique opportunity for both students and their parents to learn first-hand about career pathways in Tasmania’s key and growing industries.
“Growth Industry Preparation Programs provide an important opportunity for young people to be exposed to the possibilities of a career in a particular industry. This is the first program we’ve conducted in the renewable energy industry and it represents a really exciting career option for students on the West Coast.”
The partnership was made possible through a successful funding application from the Cradle Coast Authority as part of the Granville Harbour Wind Farm Community Grants Program.