Australian Renewables Academy
The Australian Renewables Academy (ARA) is a collaboration and consortium of several Gippsland businesses, formed in 2020, with the intent and mission to create and embed renewable energy skills, initially within the community of Gippsland, allowing our community to participate in and benefit from the significant growth in the renewable energy sector over the next decade and beyond.
The ARA will drive the economic and social benefits of a rapid growth sector deep into our community, with relevant and transferable skills and a work-ready workforce developed and directly connected into employment opportunities in the sector. Through partnerships with industry (renewable energy developers and contractors, OEM and value chain businesses) and education providers (schools, TAFE, university and training organisations) the ARA will facilitate and connect the workforce needs with people aspiring to work in renewable energy and the training and skills required. The ARA will initially develop and deliver an Entry to Renewables and Transition to Renewables non-accredited course structure, providing core training (including Construction Induction Certificate, OH&S, Working with people modules) for people looking to get into the sector for the first time (non and low skilled, including disadvantaged workforce cohorts) and for skilled trade level people to transfer their skills into a new sector.
The ARA has come about through the discussions, development activity and inspiration of local Gippsland businesses and people, recognising the growth in the renewable energy sector and the challenges of building local, relevant and experienced workforces. The initial idea for the Academy was floated and supported during a renewable energy forum where all the major developers, along with community, education and government representatives were contributing to ideas on the region’s renewable energy future workforce requirements.
Project Included
All businesses and organisations involved are either Gippsland or Melbourne (Solis RE) based businesses with a commitment to drive local opportunities.
ARA members are:
- Nexsys Industries Consulting
- GBS Recruitment
- WorkForce Plus
- Management Governance Australia
- Marathon Electrical
- Solis RE
Discussions are continuing with additional members who have indicated an interest in becoming core members of the ARA.
ARA has entered into dialogue with Federation University and TAFE Gippsland about being Education Partners for the Academy and will overtime develop a relationship with other vocational and tertiary institutes, beginning in 2021. ARA members already have existing contacts and networks within the education and research sector across Victoria and Australia.
