The Queensland Government has opened an electrical cadetship at 55 rural and remote depots across the state’s SuperGrid.
The program allows cadets to gain on-the-job experience with formal training attaining a Certificate II in Electrotechnology and a General Safety Induction course (White Card) and was specifically designed to align young people living in regional and remote Queensland with career pathways in state’s energy industry.
Following a successful pilot across southwest Queensland, Ergon Energy Network and Energex, in partnership with TAFE Queensland, are expanding the program across regional and remote Queensland in 2025, as far north as Cooktown and as far west as Mt Isa.
Through the Ergon Energy Network and Energex 2025 Pre-apprenticeship Program, students will learn from experienced TAFE Queensland trainers and Ergon Energy Network and Energex experts during weekly online workshops and on-campus practical days, complemented by real-world experience at up to 55 depots involved in the 2025 program.
Cadets will learn:
- Essential work, health and safety requirements contextualised to the electrical industry
- Primary technical skills for the electricity distribution, retail and energy services sector, including the use of multiple power tools and materials, reading and interpreting site plans and specifications,
- Real-world site experience at Ergon Energy Network and Energex depots throughout regional and remote Queensland
- Enterprise skills by completing Toolbox Talks and providing a formal project handover to the next incoming group at the end of rostered shift
Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum, said, “With our Big Build of Queensland’s SuperGrid in full swing, now is the golden opportunity for our high school students to get the skills they need to get a good secure, highly paid job in our clean energy future.
“Queensland’s SuperGrid Superheroes are an army of qualified tradespeople working on everything from residential and commercial solar to large scale renewable energy generation, transmission and distribution, battery, and pumped hydro storage.
Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, said, “From Cooktown to Cunnamulla, Millmerran to Mareeba, and Bowen to Biloela, the Queensland Government is committed to offering opportunities for young people to engage in Queensland’s clean energy future, no matter where they live.
“The kids of today will build the infrastructure of tomorrow, and these cadetships will provide the foundations to set these young people up to be among the best electrical professionals in the world.”
Ergon Energy Network and Energex Cadet, Clare Parry, said, “I chose this program to enhance my knowledge and to increase my opportunities to move forward in my future electrical apprenticeship.
“I’m hoping this course takes me through to an apprenticeship with Ergon Energy. I love working outdoors, learning new things, and working in rural environments.
“I loved it! It’s been great learning about all the different aspects of the energy industry by travelling around the region and visiting both commercial and residential properties to complete work to do with meters and relays and respond to customer service requests.”
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer, John Tucker, said, “Partnering with Ergon Energy Network and Energex ensures that cadets are equipped with skills which directly align to the requirements of the energy industry.
“Each year, we work closely with local industry to ensure our training programs are tailored to their needs and that our students graduate confident, capable, and ready to help drive the success of their industry and communities.”
Energy Queensland Apprentice Program Development Coordinator, Dan McGaw, said, “This cadetship program has been specifically developed to equip young people with foundational electrotechnology skills and offers a clear pathway towards an energy industry-related apprenticeship.”
Image credit: Zoteva/Shutterstock.com.
