Generate bright opportunity
Our manufacturing industry is our largest contributor to annual economic output in South Australia — representing 17.7% of the state’s total output.
And the carbon neutral energy sector is working on a range of projects, now and into the future, to meet South Australia’s aspiration of net 100% renewable generation by 2030.
This means demand for skilled people across the manufacturing and carbon neutral energy sectors is high and expanding in South Australia.
Could the manufacturing and carbon neutral energy sectors provide you with a fulfilling career pathway?
Occupations needed now in Manufacturing and Carbon Neutral Energy
The landscape
Snapshot of rapidly developing sectors
Our manufacturing sector includes many types of businesses engaged across a wide range of activities such as:
- food production
- metal fabrication
- energy production, and
- production of electronic equipment
The future of manufacturing is likely to involve a shift towards more high-tech, automated and sustainable manufacturing processes. This is going to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase competitiveness with the use of advanced technologies such as:
- 3D printing
- robotics and
- the Internet of Things (IoT)
Making tomorrow work
There’s forecast demand for people with skills such as engineering, trades, project management, and health and safety.
Many specialist roles are likely to be regionally based and will relate to work with equipment, technology and services, energy projects and infrastructure.
Over time there’s likely to be greater focus on developing and producing sustainable and environmentally friendly products, as well as new and innovative products that can be exported to global markets.
Empowering our renewable energy industry
South Australia is a global leader in the transition towards clean energy.
In just 16 years, South Australia’s electricity mix has shot up from less than 1% renewable energy to over 70% percent renewables.
We’re home to:
- the world's first big battery (the Hornsdale Power Reserve)
- the largest per capita roll-out of home battery systems
- 22 wind farms
- 3 utility-scale solar farms, and
- an emerging hydrogen sector
South Australia’s green industries are also increasing recycling and reprocessing infrastructure as a priority.
We’re expanding our capacity to sort, process and remanufacture:
- glass
- plastic
- tyres
- paper, and
- cardboard
Our future looks brilliant
There’s around $20 billion being invested in South Australia into:
- 25 solar farms
- 12 wind farms
- 7 hybrid projects (combining wind and solar), and
- 10 battery storage projects
The Hydrogen Jobs Plan will see the construction of a world-leading hydrogen power station, electrolyser and storage facility within the Whyalla City Council by the end of 2025.
The Plan will deliver significant benefits for South Australia such as:
- New jobs for those living here
- Enhanced grid security and
Help unlocking a pipeline of renewable energy developments and associated manufacturing opportunities.
Moving ahead
Rail electrification projects such as the Gawler Rail line provide clean and green high-performance trains to improve traveller experiences, reliability and safety.
Construction has also commenced on South Australia's first border-to-border network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to enable easy driving and charging of EVs to benefit our environment.
Jordan's story
Being a mature-aged apprentice Jordan had been dabbling in the electrical industry for a while. Recognising the massive growth in the solar energy space he decided to take on additional vocational training to grow his career in an industry that he is passionate about.
"I've always enjoyed working with my hands but without formal education, there is a ceiling on what you can do and I wanted to move that ceiling higher and I wanted more for myself."
