A new training and employment initiative in Gippsland is aiming to tackle one of the clean energy sector’s most persistent challenges: Building a larger, more diverse skilled workforce to deliver Australia’s energy transition.
Tradeswomen Australia has opened expressions of interest for women in Gippsland to take part in ‘Powering Her Pathway,’ a Federal Government-funded program designed to create direct pathways into clean energy trades through training, on-the-job experience and apprenticeships.
The first intake will begin with a free, six-week tailored vocational training course at TAFE Gippsland starting on 16 February. Graduates will then move into a placement, apprenticeship or job in a skilled clean energy role across the Gippsland region.
The program was officially launched in September 2025 by the Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles, at ENGIE’s Hazelwood Battery Energy Storage System and TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus.
‘Powering Her Pathway’ is being delivered in partnership by Tradeswomen Australia, TAFE Gippsland and global energy company ENGIE, and aims to place 30 women into apprenticeships on renewable energy projects across Gippsland by mid-2026. This includes opportunities linked to ENGIE’s planned construction of a second Hazelwood Battery.
As Victoria accelerates the rollout of grid-scale batteries, renewable generation and transmission upgrades, demand for skilled trades is expected to grow rapidly – particularly in regional centres such as Gippsland.
Clea Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Tradeswomen Australia, shared that the program was designed to remove the structural barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in trade-based clean energy careers.
“Powering Her Pathway is more than a program; it’s a movement,” she said.
“Together with our partners at TAFE Gippsland, ENGIE and RMIT, and with the support of the Federal Government, we’re building real, inclusive pathways into high-demand industries. The future of clean energy is diverse, skilled, and powered by women.”
Laura Caspari, Managing Director for Renewables and Batteries at ENGIE, shared that workforce diversity would be critical to delivering Australia’s net zero ambitions.
“As Australia works toward a net zero economy, the demand for skilled workers will soar, and these roles must reflect the diversity of our communities,” she said.
“Gender equity is not just the right thing to do – it’s critical for innovation, productivity and long-term industry capability.”
The Gippsland program reflects a broader shift in the energy sector toward coordinated workforce planning, linking major clean energy projects with local training pipelines and long-term employment opportunities.
Expressions of interest for the first intake are now open, with women from across Gippsland encouraged to participate. For more information and to apply, visit the Tradeswomen Australia website.