Community Power Agency has welcomed an overwhelming response to its Women in Clean Energy Engagement (WiCEE) program, with nearly 70 Expressions of Interest received from regional women across NSW in August.
Applications came from regional areas across all of NSW’s Renewable Energy Zones, with some new to renewable energy or community engagement, up to experienced and well-qualified candidates. Many applicants wished to support communities through the energy transition, advocating for just outcomes for regional communities. A recurring theme from many of them was that the success of the energy transition depends on good community engagement.
Selected participants will be supported to complete CPA’s university-accredited short course in Socially Responsible Renewable Energy Development, and the Engagement Institute’s introductory training on the ‘Essentials of Engagement’. They will also be connected in peer-to-peer mentoring to build the skills and networks needed to pursue a career in the state’s growing renewable energy sector.
All study costs for the 20 participants are proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Investing in Women program.
“This grant will help regional women re-train and up-skill to deliver quality, locally-led community engagement in the renewable energy sector.
“Women and gender-diverse people have a vital role to play in engaging their local regional community to participate in a fair and fast energy transition, and we are proud to help build that capacity on the ground.”
— Claudia Hodge, Director, CPA
The WiCEE program is currently running as a pilot to build a stronger pipeline of community engagement professionals, equipped to ensure REZ regions have local capacity to navigate the energy transition on their own terms. CPA is hopeful of securing work placements for participants and future funding to extend the program beyond its current life in NSW.
About the Women in Clean Energy Engagement Program
This program will support 20 women from regional, rural and remote NSW to build or advance careers in community engagement in the clean energy sector. Through accredited training and structured mentoring, the program aims to strengthen participants’ long-term employment prospects and establish a community of practice to support women into leadership roles.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Investing in Women program.
About CPA
Community Power Agency is a women-led, not-for-profit co-operative on a mission to collaborate with and build capacity in communities, government and industry, to create renewable energy policies and projects that result in a fairer and faster transition to a clean energy economy.
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