SEC robots give students a taste of renewable energy jobs
17 February 2026
Tiny programmable robots are helping Victorian students to understand the energy transition as they code and follow the robots on a renewable energy journey.
The robots are part of an innovative SEC school engagement program that brings renewables to life and introduces young Victorians to renewable energy jobs of the future.
Offered free to schools, the incursion program informs, inspires, and empowers students to pursue renewable energy careers, providing practical examples of jobs and career pathways in their local area.
SEC also offers site visits to its renewable energy projects, including the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub in Plumpton, where secondary students get to see renewable energy projects close and meet the people building them.
"We have met so many amazing young people, and we're excited about supporting the next generation of renewable energy workers," SEC Student Engagement Lead Sian Fitzpatrick said. "Last year we ran 28 workshops across the state, reaching 1774 students, many of them in their own schools."
According to Harvester Technical College Electrotechnology teacher, Jason Aquilina: “It has not only brought the theory to life but also inspired my students to embrace sustainable technologies through applied learning.”
SEC's school education program uses engaging hands-on activities to immerse students in the science behind renewable energy.
For example, the Road to Renewables workshop for primary school students uses hands-on coding to inspire students to problem-solve and engage in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and maths).
Students learn about renewable energy and the energy transition, code tiny robots to plan journeys, learn about different jobs required for the energy transition and use problem-solving skills to design renewable energy landscapes.
Victoria's renewable energy transition will create thousands of jobs, including roles in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, maintenance, line workers, electricians, welders, mechanics, machine operators, community liaisons, and more. The state's energy workforce is projected to grow to over 67,000 workers in 2040, more than doubling the current workforce.
In the past year, SEC has engaged with more than 5,500 students and teachers at career events, school visits and events, raising awareness and interest in renewable energy jobs.
As students return for the 2026 school year, SEC is ready with a range of new offerings.
"We have three new programs launching in the first term, including programs suitable for primary and secondary students and a third we've developed with Monash Tech School," Sian said.
Experienced educators deliver SEC's incursion program, which aligns with the Victorian curriculum.
