When a group of early-career technicians from Stanwell Asset Maintenance Company’s (SAMCo’s) Development Pathways Program arrived at Mount Millar Wind Farm in South Australia, they weren’t there to watch from the sidelines. From day one, they rolled up their sleeves – working alongside experienced crews, tackling real turbine maintenance tasks and gaining hands-on experience that’s shaping their future in renewables. 

Located near Cowell on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Mount Millar Wind Farm is home to 35 turbines generating clean energy to help power the region. Operated by Foresight Group, the site has provided an invaluable opportunity for SAMCo’s pathway techs to experience the day-to-day realities of operational wind assets. 

Backed by Stanwell Corporation – Queensland’s largest energy asset owner and generator – SAMCo delivers reliable operations and maintenance services for clean energy generation and storage assets across Australia. But its mission goes beyond keeping assets running efficiently. 

Through its Development Pathways Program, SAMCo is investing in the people who will power the future of renewables – giving emerging technicians the opportunity to build skills, confidence and career pathways in a rapidly growing industry. 

"The Development Pathways Program gives our technicians real-world exposure to the renewables industry," explains Luke Elliott, SAMCo’s Electrical Systems Superintendent. "It's not just about learning the technical side – it’s about understanding the scale, the safety culture, and the operational demands of these sites. That experience will set them up for success as the sector continues to grow." 

Altitude adjustment  

At Mount Millar, the pathway technicians got straight to work. 

"The team’s been involved with general maintenance onsite," Luke says. "In our first week, we helped with annual transformer maintenance on each turbine. Since then, the crew’s been involved in yearly turbine servicing, day-to-day fault finding and parts replacement." 

Depending on the workload, up to two pathway techs were embedded with the Mount Millar O&M teams at a time – taking on a range of critical tasks that built both technical know-how and operational awareness. 

“It’s experience that can’t be learned in a classroom,” Luke says. “And it’s giving our future renewables specialists a strong foundation in real-world operations.”  

For Luke, one of the biggest advantages of the Mount Millar placement was broadening the team’s perspective. 

"This project gives the techs a broader view of the scale of renewables today," he says. "It’s a chance to experience the day-to-day processes of running a wind farm, to understand different turbine technologies, and to build confidence working in operational environments. 

"It adds another tool to the technicians' toolkit. They’re getting the kind of knowledge that will be crucial as SAMCo expands into a diverse range of renewable assets in the near future." 

While the technical development has been critical, the growth in confidence, communication and teamwork has been just as powerful. 

Growth in action 

The SAMCo team hasn't just impressed internally. According to James Edwards, Foresight Site Manager at Mount Millar Wind Farm, the SAMCo technicians quickly became valued members of the Mount Millar team. 

"We found the SAMCo employees integrated well with our crew," he says. "They were easy-going but professional in all their interactions. They showed enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and maintained a strong focus on safety throughout their time here." 

James also praised the team's active participation in prestart meetings, where they shared insights from previous experiences and added valuable discussion points – showing a level of initiative and professionalism beyond what’s typical for early-career technicians. 

During their time at Mount Millar, SAMCo's techs worked closely with site crews across core maintenance and troubleshooting tasks. Their involvement helped maximise existing team capacity and maintain momentum on third-party repair projects, including ongoing blade works.   

"It’s been a pleasure having the SAMCo team on site," James adds. "It’s reassuring to know there are intelligent, diligent technicians wanting to make renewables their career." 

For Luke, programs like the Development Pathways Program are essential not just for SAMCo’s future – but for the entire industry. 

Many of the pathway technicians come from diverse trade backgrounds – including from Stanwell’s own thermal power stations and other industries like mining and heavy industry – bringing a strong foundation of technical skills to the role.  

"The basic skillsets our team have are highly transferable and adaptable to the renewable space," he explains. "Programs like this show the industry that we’re ready – and that our people are ready – to play a big role in the future of energy." 

When asked where he hopes to see SAMCo’s techs go next, Luke doesn’t hesitate.  

"They will be going straight into roles on the growing portfolio of sites SAMCo maintains, where they’re managing renewable assets, and helping SAMCo grow as a trusted name in O&M." 

And if he had to sum up the impact of SAMCo’s Development Pathways Program so far?  

"It’s about showing that the future is already here," he says. "Our team is capable, adaptable and passionate – and that’s exactly what the renewable industry needs."