The Net:Zed Central West Orana REZ Incursion Program is a school‑based learning experience funded by EnergyCo and delivered under the auspices of the NSW Department of Education’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program. The incursion supports students to explore:
- The use of energy in society
- New and emerging forms of energy generation, and
- Existing and emerging career opportunities across the energy sector.
Delivered by Net:Zed, a net zero and sustainability education program provider, the program is designed to be inclusive and respectful of the fact that communities and families may hold a range of views about energy, net zero, and how these topics relate to their local area. The focus of delivery is on education and engagement, with activities designed to support learning and career awareness through hands‑on, age‑appropriate, and enjoyable experiences.
Program Snapshot
| Title | Central West Orana REZ Education Incursion Program |
| Funded by | EnergyCo |
| Type | Facilitated Incursion |
| Focus | Cross syllabi – energy literacy, career awareness, collaboration, problem‑solving, and applied learning. |
| Next Steps | For more information, or to discuss timing and booking your school’s incursion experience, please liaise with Jacqui Masters, Senior Project Officer (RIEP). |
Mobile Classroom Delivery
The program is delivered using the Net:Zed Mobile Classroom, a purpose‑built, self‑sufficient learning trailer that is brought onto the school site.
The mobile classroom includes fold‑out wings, external screens, and pull‑out activity areas to support hands‑on and interactive learning. Delivery
requires a suitable outdoor space on school grounds for safe setup and operation, with all setup, pack‑down, and operation managed by Net:Zed staff in coordination with the school.
Delivery Model
The incursion program is designed for flexible delivery within the school timetable. Sessions may be delivered within a single class period, across multiple periods during the school day, or as a longer continuous session. A standard session can be delivered to a structured class group of up to 30 students and may be repeated across the day to allow multiple classes to participate. Smaller group delivery is also supported where required.
Learning Pathways and Further Opportunities
The incursion program is designed to act as a strong precursor to other cross‑syllabus learning experiences. It can support and complement future classroom resources, additional incursions, excursions, and learning activities related to sustainability, energy systems, and career exploration.
Research and Program Evaluation
The incursion program is supported by an approved research and evaluation component focused on understanding student engagement, learning experiences, and career awareness outcomes. This work is conducted under the necessary SERAP approvals with the NSW Department of Education, ensuring it is education‑safe, ethical, and compliant with departmental requirements. The research is observational and reflective in nature, does not assess individual students or schools, and is designed to support continuous improvement and evidence‑based program development. A SERAP overview brief for this project can be provided on request.
Partner Involvement
In delivering the program, Net:Zed may be supported by education and industry organisations such as Essential Energy, the University of Newcastle, and other local employers. Partner organisations assist by supporting activities or providing real‑world context that connects learning to industry and careers. All involvement is education‑focused, age‑appropriate, and conducted within a supervised, school‑approved framework.
Operational and Safety Considerations
All sessions are supervised at all times by Net:Zed facilitators, supported by school staff. Risk assessments and control measures are provided in advance, and delivery aligns with school WHS, child‑safety, and incursion requirements.
School Involvement
Net:Zed works collaboratively with each school prior to delivery to confirm scheduling, group sizes, space requirements for the mobile classroom, and any technical prerequisites. The final delivery format is agreed in consultation with the school to ensure minimal disruption to normal school operations.
Your Delivery Team
The Net:Zed Central West Orana REZ Incursion Program is a school‑based learning experience funded by EnergyCo and delivered under the auspices of the NSW Department of Education’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program. MCB Business Partners is the program developer and supplier.
MCB Business Partners is a purpose led advisory and delivery organisation specialising in place based economic transition, education–industry engagement, and systems level collaboration. MCB works at the intersection of government, industry, education, and community to design and deliver initiatives that build long term regional capability, trust, and readiness for change.
Net:Zed is MCB Business Partners’ education and engagement initiative focused on preparing regions, organisations, and people for the net zero economy. It is designed to translate complex transition agendas into practical, locally relevant action — particularly through education, workforce awareness, and community participation.
Through Net:Zed, MCB brings:
- Deep experience in regional transition contexts
- Strong relationships across education systems, industry, and government
- Proven models for youth engagement and curriculum aligned delivery
- A focus on equity, inclusion, and long term regional resilience
EnergyCo is a NSW Government statutory authority responsible for leading the delivery of Renewable Energy Zones and priority electricity infrastructure in New South Wales, working with communities, industry, and government to support reliable energy supply and long‑term regional benefits.
The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program is a NSW Department of Education initiative that supports partnerships between secondary schools and local industry to improve student awareness of career pathways and workforce opportunities. RIEP works across New South Wales to connect schools with employers, deliver place‑based learning experiences, and help students develop the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to make informed decisions about future education and employment pathways.
nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/vocational/vet-programs/regional-schools-industry
