Green means go: Illawarra youth guide to clean energy careers

The Illawarra's employment profile is shifting, and the region's renewable energy zone is positioning itself as a cradle of clean energy development and good green work.

The jobs that were promised with our net zero transition are no longer just talk. Locally driven innovations in science and technology have created a strong foundation for clean energy enterprise in our region.

This guide spotlights networks and organisations using research, engineering, geotechnical expertise, manufacturing, commerce and finance to create scalable solutions for local climate action.

Below are Illawarra-based organisations and networks accelerating the net-zero transition, the legends employing, upskilling and empowering the next generation of climate leaders.

Green Gravity

About: Green Gravity is developing gravitational energy storage systems (GESS) that repurpose legacy mine shafts into long-duration energy storage. By transforming existing mining infrastructure into assets that support renewable energy, Green Gravity are helping solve one of the biggest challenges of the energy transition – storing clean electricity when the sun isn't shining and the wind isn't blowing. Green Gravity have established a Gravity Lab™ in Port Kembla and a demonstration project at Russell Vale Mine.

Career pathways: Building new technology and industry sector requires people with diverse skills. The Green Gravity team includes mechanical, electrical and civil engineers, software and control systems specialists, geotechnical and mining experts, project managers, commercial and finance professionals, environmental specialists and skilled trades. As Green Gravity grows, there will be ample opportunities across manufacturing, construction, operations and maintenance.

Recruitment information: Green Gravity look for curious, collaborative people who enjoy solving complex challenges and want to make a meaningful contribution to Australia's clean energy future. Technical skills are important, but so are adaptability, initiative and a willingness to learn.

Advice for young people: For people considering a career or career change in clean energy, the advice is simple: don't assume there is only one pathway. Whether you are interested in engineering, a trade, science, technology, business or environmental management, the energy transition needs your skills. Stay curious, gain practical experience wherever you can, volunteer and be open to opportunities in emerging industries – the careers helping shape the future of our region are being created today.

Contact: Tania Jones, sustainable development manager, tania.jones@greengravity.com. Website: greengravity.com 

Hi Neighbour

About: Hi Neighbour is a not-for-profit working to build a clean energy workforce in the Illawarra, guided by a simple principle: no workers left behind. Their “Love Your Work” scholarship program supports young people aged 18 to 24 to step into clean energy and sustainability careers, whether through an apprenticeship, TAFE course, university pathway or straight into industry. Hi Neighbour provides financial support, mentoring, and connections to local employers and networks across the region's growing renewable energy sector, including work tied to the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone.

Career pathways: Hi Neighbour’s expansive network can facilitate career pathways in trades, engineering, project coordination, community engagement and advocacy. 

Getting started: There's no single "right" background. When we look at applicants, we're less focused on qualifications on paper and more interested in genuine motivation, willingness to learn and a connection to community.

Advice for young people: Our advice for young people starting out: don't wait until you feel "ready". Reach out, ask questions and put your hand up for opportunities even if you're not sure you fit the mould yet. The clean energy transition needs people from all backgrounds, and the Illawarra is an incredible place to build that career close to home.

Contact: Alex Horton, scholarship coordinator (hi@hineighbour.com.au). Website: www.hineighbour.com.au

Hysata 

About: Hysata is redefining the economics of green hydrogen. Born out of the University of Wollongong (UOW) and headquartered in an 8500 sqm factory on the beachfront at Port Kembla, Hysata designs and manufactures next generation electrolysers, the technology that uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen. Our system is the most energy efficient in the world, which means cheaper green hydrogen for hard to abate industries such as steel, ammonia and heavy transport. 

Career pathways: The Hysata team spans electrical, mechanical, chemical, materials and manufacturing engineering, alongside R&D, operations, commercial and corporate roles, meaning pathways exist whether your strengths are technical or business focused.

Recruitment information: We recruit globally but many of our team are locals. A strong technical fit matters, but we hire for culture just as much: our values spell SHREK – support, honesty and integrity, respect, empathy and kindness, and we test for alignment with them. Beyond the technical skills, we look for curiosity, first-principles thinking and a genuine drive to solve hard problems.

Advice for young people: You do not need it all mapped out. Build strong fundamentals, stay curious and back yourself. Clean energy needs engineers, scientists, tradespeople and commercial minds alike. The best way in is to keep an eye on our website for open roles and follow Hysata on LinkedIn, where we post new opportunities as the team grows.

Contact: Leanne Isabella, chief people officer, go to hysata.com/work-with-us. Website: https://hysata.com/

mc2 Energy

About: mc2 Energy is developing a very large pumped hydro energy storage project (2GW 35GWh) offshore from Port Kembla. Dual use of infrastructure will enable desalination, firm power for electrolysers and hosting power for water hungry data centres. Long-duration energy storage is essential to provide secure, reliable and low-cost power for consumers and emerging industries (eg, green iron and ammonia). Without internationally competitive low-cost firm power, these industries will migrate to new global locations with lower production costs. 

Career pathways: Jobs will co-locate with emerging industries, and it is important that infrastructure supports growth in the Illawarra. The timeline for the energy transition has been set by the inevitable closure of all NSW coal-fired power stations. mc2 is creating the future we all envision, offering work opportunities that support emerging clean energy industries. 

Recruitment information: When hiring, many CVs show capable and competent people that would fulfill the position. mc2 would choose someone who demonstrates intelligence, initiative and problem-solving talent above all else.

Advice for young people: Youth will create their future by engaging with the big issues of today, such as climate change. More specifically, support productive industries that provide the essential services our society needs. This means becoming geopolitically aware and critical of regressive government policy that does not align with your vision.

Contact: Dr Chris Waring, managing director (https://mc2.au/engage-with-us/) . Website: https://mc2.au

Sicona

About: Sicona is an Australian battery materials company developing next-generation silicon-carbon anode technology that designed to significantly increase energy density and improve fast-charging performance in lithium-ion batteries, supporting the global transition to clean energy. Based in the Illawarra, Sicona’s local team values collaboration, high performance, safety and getting things done. Their vision is to transform battery tech and accelerate the electric mobility revolution with the fast, focused and fearless energy that defines them.

Career pathways: Sicona offers diverse career pathways across research and development, engineering, manufacturing, quality, corporate services and commercial functions.

Recruitment information: Sicona looks for people who are collaborative, adaptable, willing to learn and passionate about solving complex challenges, always bringing solutions rather than problems to the table. For Sicona, culture fit is as important as experience and technical skill.

Advice for young people: For young people looking to start a career in clean energy, our advice is to stay curious, build strong STEM and problem-solving skills, seek hands-on experience wherever possible, and don't be afraid to pursue opportunities in an industry that is shaping the future.

Contact: Linda Armstrong, head of people, culture, community and government relations (linda@siconabattery.com). Website: siconabattery.com

UOW Energy Futures Network

About: The network brings together researchers, industry, government and the community to help solve some of Australia's biggest energy challenges. The Network spans renewable energy, societal transition, batteries and storage, hydrogen, electrification, power systems, critical minerals, circular economy and energy policy, with a strong focus on delivering practical solutions that support the Illawarra and Australia's transition to net zero. Alongside this, the Energy Futures Skills Centre is helping to prepare the next generation of engineers, scientists, social scientists, tradespeople and energy professionals by developing the skills needed for the clean energy workforce of the future.

Career pathways: There are many pathways into the clean energy sector, including engineering, science, social science, data analytics, environmental management, economics, policy, communications, project management and skilled trades.

Getting started: At UOW, we value curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration and a willingness to learn. Students who combine strong technical skills with communication and teamwork are particularly well placed for success.

Advice for young people: For young people considering a career in clean energy, my advice is simple: stay curious, seek out work experience and internships, and don't be afraid to explore different disciplines. Clean energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia, offering exciting opportunities to make a real difference while building a rewarding career.

Contact: Ty Christopher, director, email ty_christopher@uow.edu.au or follow on LinkedIn.

Additional sources of information

• ABS Census Data, 2021 
• Employment Region Industry profile for the Illawarra South Coast