Today AEC Training Advisor, Les Shaw swapped the office for the Dubbo College and Try a Trade Day.
The event showcases the exciting range of trades that students can jump into, including those at AEC. Along for the ride was our second-year sparkie apprentice, Liam Maher, who gave students the inside scoop on what life’s really like on the tools.
Try a Trade Day is all about giving students a proper taste of the in-demand trade careers right in their own backyard. AEC teamed up with industry employers and training providers to run interactive demos, challenges and activities, letting students get stuck into the tools, technology, and equipment used across renewable energy, construction, mining, and mechanical industries.
With Dubbo sitting in the heart of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, it’s a prime spot for students keen to kickstart a career in renewables. Around $6 billion worth of energy projects are planned for the region, supporting an estimated 3,900 construction jobs at peak, plus ongoing work across manufacturing, transport, retail, and local supply chains.
AEC’s solar and wind projects have already delivered 554MW of energy to the region, with another 98MW currently under construction. And with more projects on the way, we’re excited to offer local students apprenticeships and clear career pathways that set them up for long-term success — while helping grow the renewable energy sector close to home.
Huge shoutout to Les for putting his body on the line volunteering for a fresh ‘do’ from an apprentice hairdresser, and Liam for getting out there and inspiring the next generation of tradies.
