Glenrowan Solar Farm is helping two young Wangaratta apprentices develop their trade careers through award of two scholarships for training and education.
Focusing on young people who are embarking on their apprenticeships, the scholarships are part of the solar farm’s eleven-year funding program to contribute positive social and economic outcomes to the local community.
Located just south-west of Glenrowan, the solar farm is owned by Pacific Partnerships and has been operating since May 2024, supplying clean power to the equivalent of 55,000 Australian homes and contributing towards the Victorian Government’s Renewable Energy Target (VRET).
Pacific Partnerships Managing Director Simon Nicholls said the scholarships will help remove barriers for young people entering a trade.
“Well done to local teenagers, Ruby Holland and Noah Hansen, who will use the $5,000 scholarships to pursue their trade career aspirations and create post-secondary career paths,” Mr Nicholls said.
“The scholarships are the first of 12 to be granted as part of our long-term local commitment through VRET, with the remaining 10 scholarships to be awarded over 10 years of operation,” he said.
“Ultimately the scholarship program aims to benefit the local region through more labour market participation and increased capacity and capability.”
Both Ruby and Noah are 17 years old and are from Wangaratta, where they are undertaking school-based apprenticeships in refrigeration (Noah) and business administration (Ruby).
They were recommended for the scholarships by their schools and career advisors in partnership with local community organisation, the North East Tracks Local Learning and Employment Network (NE Tracks LLEN).
NE Tracks LLEN CEO Tim Oliver says the Glenrowan Solar Farm scholarships align with the organisation’s mission to empower young people and connect them with educational programs, overcoming the risk of disengagement and disadvantage.
“It’s a delight to connect our scholarship recipients with Pacific Partnerships and share local benefit from the solar farm,” Mr Oliver said.
“Ruby is a year 12 student at Borinya Wangaratta Community Partnership, where she is completing a school-based apprenticeship at Certificate 3 level with local business, the Wangaratta Pump Shop,” he said.
“Noah attended Wangaratta High School and started his apprenticeship this year at Unite Refrigeration, having completed numerous work experience placements through high school.”
