Young voices, big impact: Hunter students have a say with net zero education initiative
Young people in the Hunter are being supported to explore, understand and shape the region’s shift toward a net zero economy. This is being done through a new education program delivered by Net:Zed, and supported by the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA).
Net:Zed is an initiative by MCB Business Partners, delivering education and engagement programs with schools across New South Wales. The Transitioning Economies – Your Say program brings a place-based approach to secondary schools. The program educates students about the transition and how it will shape future study pathways, jobs and industry opportunities.
By funding programs delivered by organisations such as Net:Zed, the NZEA is building understanding about the energy transition and creating practical opportunities for young people to engage with the future of their region.
Connecting young people to real change
The Hunter is one of several regions moving toward cleaner energy systems as Australia’s energy mix shifts and new industries emerge.
These changes will bring new technologies, jobs and study pathways, affecting how young people see their future in the region.
The Transitioning Economies – Your Say program gives students the chance to learn and understand what change looks like in practice. This gives them the opportunity to have a say about the future of their region.
Across 2 school terms, students engage with topics including:
- what the energy transition is
- future study and career pathways
- changes in local industries and businesses
- Community resilience and liveability.
From ideas to regional conversations
A key part of the program is giving students the space to respond to what they are learning.
Working individually or in teams, students develop their own concepts and responses to challenges they see in their community.
These ideas will be shared at a regional showcase, where students present to peers, industry, government and community representatives.
A place-based approach to inform future work
The Transition Economies – Your Say program will run across schools in the Hunter region, with a final showcase event proposed for Muswellbrook. This place-based approach ensures the program remains grounded in local context, connecting education with the realities of regional economies, industries and communities.
In addition to student learning, the program will generate insights into how young people understand the transition and how they feel about it. These insights will help inform government initiatives to ensure they are responsive to the needs and perspectives of the next generation.
The program also strengthens connections between schools, industry, government and community organisations, supporting a more coordinated approach as Australia transitions to a net zero economy.
Looking ahead
As the Hunter continues to evolve, initiatives like Transitioning Economies – Your Say play an important role in ensuring young people are part of the journey.
By connecting education, industry and community, the program helps build a shared understanding of the transition and a stronger foundation for the region’s future.
To learn more about Net:Zed and the work they’re doing with students in the Hunter, visit their website here.