Vena Energy recently delivered two community programs in Tailem Bend, South Australia that connected local people to green energy opportunities. One prepared workers for construction careers, while the other inspired primary school students to become the engineers of tomorrow. 

The initiatives coincide with construction of the Tailem Bend 3 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a 204 MW / 408 MWh project. It’s the third phase of Vena Energy’s Tailem Bend clean energy precinct, which dates to 2019 and includes a total 245 MWdc of solar capacity and a 41.5 MWh battery. The new BESS will enhance grid stability across South Australia by storing excess generation and dispatching power during peak demand periods. 

Construction-Ready Training 

Vena Energy recently delivered a Construction Ready Training Program to upskill local workers. The two-day program provided telehandler training to eight participants, who also received resume writing and employment readiness support. All participants passed the training and gained enhanced skillsets that improve their access to future opportunities in the South Australian construction industry. 

“We’re committed to ensuring our projects create real opportunities for local people,” said Owen Sela, Head of Australia at Vena Energy. “This training program strengthens workforce capacity in the region and opens doors to long-term career pathways in green energy construction.” 

Inspiring the Next Generation 

While preparing today’s workforce, Vena Energy is also working to inspire tomorrow’s green energy professionals. 

Recently, Tailem Bend Primary School transformed a classroom into a green energy innovation hub where students designed and built their own wind turbines, solar arrays and electric vehicles. 

The hands-on program was developed by Engineering Tomorrow, an organisation founded by former engineer and Founding Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners, Bill Woodburn. Guided by a Vena Energy staff, students explored the fundamentals of solar and wind design before constructing hybrid renewable energy models and experimenting with electric vehicle technology. 

“Seeing the students so engaged and excited about green energy was fantastic,” said Travis Schenke, Principal of Tailem Bend Primary School. “This kind of hands-on learning brings STEM subjects to life and shows our students the real-world applications of what they’re learning in the classroom. We’re grateful to Vena Energy for bringing this opportunity to our school.” 

The program reflects Vena Energy’s broader approach to community engagement in regions where it operates. 

“The in-school Engineering Tomorrow program is about planting seeds for the future,” said Owen. “These students are growing up in a community that’s at the heart of South Australia’s clean energy future. By bringing green energy education into the classroom, we hope to spark curiosity about the exciting career possibilities in this industry.”