New internship building the future net zero workforce

A NEW internship program is seeking businesses and students to pursue a net-zero workforce for a sustainable future.

The three-year $1 million NSW Skills for Net Zero pilot program will pair 100 tertiary students with businesses to undertake 200 hours of paid work on projects that reduce emissions.

Businesses participating in the program will receive comprehensive recruitment and placement support tailored to address specific skills gaps. They will also receive a $2,500 payment to subsidise the intern’s wage upon completion of the internship.

Students in their last two years of tertiary study are encouraged to apply.

Potential areas of focus include sustainable packaging and emissions reporting in advanced manufacturing, reducing emissions in agribusiness and sustainable freight and logistics processes.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said the program was a win-win for students, businesses and the move to net zero.

“Businesses will tell the program what skills they need to further their decarbonisation projects, and we’ll connect them with talented tertiary students from whatever course is required,” Sharpe said.

“I encourage any business working on decarbonising projects to see how they could benefit from having a skilled

The initiative aims to enhance skills and support businesses and industries in helping drive the state closer to its legislated net-zero targets.

Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said the government was continuing to fund the training and skills development needed to grow the workforce and provide students with the experience they need to secure the jobs of the future.

“I urge passionate tertiary students in their second-last and final years to explore this fantastic opportunity and see how their skills can contribute to our net-zero future,” Whan said.

The internship is part of the NSW government’s Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative and is delivered by CSIRO.

For more information, visit csiro.au/en/education/Initiatives/NSW-Skills-for-Net-Zero