Energex and Ergon Energy are set to offer a record number of new apprenticeships based around renewable technologies across Queensland in 2024.
Around 160 new apprentices will support the rollout of advanced technologies, including batteries and systems to support rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EV).
This follows an announcement to increase apprentice intake numbers by ten per cent each year for ten years as part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Queensland Minister for Energy, Mick de Brenni, said the Queensland Government is committed to delivering good jobs for Queenslanders, and this announcement means there will be more skilled workers in this rapidly growing industry.
“We are always working to provide Queensland’s homes, businesses and industry with safe and reliable power, and today’s apprentices will not only be responsible for the construction and maintenance of the state’s 233,000km of power network, but also the development of new solutions to support evolving technology on the grid,” Mr de Brenni said.
“In terrific news for Queenslanders keen to work in energy transition, thanks to public ownership, the number of apprenticeships at the state-owned power distributors will grow year on year, giving candidates a better chance of scoring a secure energy industry job.”
The increase in apprentice numbers per year will make the government-owned distribution networks now among the largest employers of apprentices in Queensland.
Energy Queensland’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Peter Scott, said, “Our apprentices soon get to learn that they’ll be working on a power network that’s constantly evolving to keep pace with technological advancements and increasing demand, which means they’ll be in a job where they’re challenged daily and never stop learning.
“Furthermore, if they stay on with us after their apprenticeship, they’ve got professional development options such as further education, technical or leadership positions and, with additional jobs up for grabs each year, it’ll be great to get these motivated people on board,” Mr Scott said.
“Energex and Ergon Energy Network currently have 517 apprentices, in various stages of their four-year apprenticeship, undertaking trades across five disciplines including distribution linesperson, electrotechnology electrician, communication technician, transmission linesperson, and mechanical fitter.”
Energex and Ergon Energy Network apprenticeships are among the most hotly contested in the country, with the companies receiving more than 4,500 applicants for these positions per year.
Applications for the apprenticeships open in mid-2023 and will be for various positions with the electricity distribution networks around the state.
The new apprentices for 2024 will start in January 2024 and mid-year at Energy Queensland’s specialised in-house training facilities at Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Maryborough, Toowoomba and Rocklea.
