And it was fitting that Mr Morrison chose Tomago to visit three of the Port's most significant manufacturing plants to launch the plan, which aims to maintain downward pressure of electricity prices, procure more gas and to reinforce Australia's sovereign fuel security.

Tomago Aluminium is Australasia's largest aluminium smelter producing 585,000 tonnes of aluminium every year, of which 90 per cent is exported; Varley, established in 1886, is an advanced engineering and manufacturing company providing a comprehensive range of products, service and workmanship to industry; and WesTrac is a major supplier of heavy machinery for the mining and construction industries.

Mr Morrison, whose entourage included the Energy Minister Angus Taylor, told industry leaders and workers that lower cost and more reliable energy helped businesses to grow and employ more people.

"In areas like the Hunter, the business of generating energy is for so many your livelihood, where critical energy-intensive jobs are located," he said.

"The Commonwealth will work with state governments to accelerate three critical projects - the Marinus Link, Project Energy Connect and VNI West Interconnectors ... creating more than 5000 jobs, while reducing prices and keeping the grid reliable.

"The tasks for the road ahead on the electricity system are clear: bring on firm generation capacity, better integrate renewables, overhaul the rules to create a modern and efficient market and put more power into the hands of consumers."

The Prime Minister had an opportunity during his Varley site visit to tour the plant, learn about the manufactured machinery, talk with employees, and even tried his hand at a spot of welding.

His tour included a stop for a brief conversation with Hunter River High School teacher Shane Lloyd and Year 11 students Zachary Nicholls and Ally Mason, who are taking part in the P-TECH program at Varley.

P-TECH is a partnership between industry, schools and tertiary education providers that enable businesses to play an active role in the career development of students. The program, first developed in 2016, includes mentoring and providing pathways from school to further education, training and employment opportunities.

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"Hunter River High has placed more than 40 students through this program in three years, which includes 70 hours of work placement for each student," Mr Lloyd said.

"We work closely with our industry partners, such as Varley, to help students gain a nationally accredited qualification along side their regular in school education."

Mr Lloyd said that while the pilot was federally funded, the program this year was being funded internally.

The Raymond Terrace students, Zachary, 17, and Ally, 16, said the program had been invaluable as a pathway for future careers. "I am looking towards a apprenticeship as a fitter machinist," Zachary said.

Ally added: "I have my eyes set on a career in civil engineering, which includes attending Newcastle University." Both said they were excited to have had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, the government's move to provide energy security and affordability for industry and households by committing to boost gas supplies was welcomed by the Hunter Business Chamber.

Chamber CEO Bob Hawes said the move to provide guaranteed firming capacity through investment in gas would provide much-needed certainty to industry.

"Gas is a bridge to a cleaner energy future, complementing increased investment in renewables. Industry needs energy supply that is reliable and affordable in order to remain competitive and ensure that manufacturing jobs stay here in our region," he said.

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