NOW that the government intends to reduce carbon emissions by 43 per cent by 2030, new skills will be needed in the coal and gas industries if unemployment is to be avoided.
A possible idea which anticipates and could assist is an organised training program for most of those in the industry. It could be named as 'Renewable Energy Training Scheme' (RETS). The scheme could be jointly subsidised by government and industry and could be on a voluntary part-time basis, allowing employees in the industry to continue to work for a limited time until investment in renewables dominates the energy market. The scheme would give hope of future employment.
