New energy recruits about to embark on bright careers in power industry

Energy Minister Mark Bailey visited the Energex EsiTrain centre at Rocklea today to meet the newest Energex trainees and apprentices as they embark on new careers in Queensland’s power industry.

Mr Bailey took the opportunity to see first-hand some of the training underway and to wish the new recruits well on their journey ahead.

“The latest intake of 22 electrical fitter mechanics started with Energex in mid-February. The group includes a cross-section of the community, ranging from school leavers to people in their mid-30s with a variety of previous careers.

“In the first six months the apprentices will undertake trade-specific training, including time at EsiTrain and TAFE, before they begin the practical application of what they have learned,” said Mr Bailey

“Currently, Energex has around 200 apprentices at various levels of their training process. In the past 10 years more than 730 men and women have commenced apprenticeships with the business.”

The Minister congratulated the apprentices on making it through the comprehensive recruitment process.

“The latest job figures underline the need to train young Queenslanders and the Palaszczuk Labor Government is committed to ensuring that opportunities are created for apprentices and trainees. We recognise the importance of training the next generation of power workers. It’s all about planning for the future,” he said.

“Apprenticeships at Energex are highly sought-after positions and it is not uncommon for more than 1000 applications to be received for a few dozen positions a year. This means Energex has recruited the best of the best.

“Under the LNP, Energex would have been sold and training opportunities and jobs like this would have been sold too. Our commitment is to protect these vital assets and the jobs they generate.

“These jobs come with a lot of responsibility to the people of South East Queensland.

“In the future, today’s trainees and apprentices will work shoulder to shoulder with emergency service officers in times of community need.

“Our power workers have played a crucial role in dealing with disasters, such as the 2008 ‘The Gap storms’, the Queensland floods of 2011, Tropical Cyclone Oswald in 2013 and after cyclones Larry, Yasi and Marcia when they joined their country cousins, Ergon Energy, to help restore power supplies to regional Queenslanders,” he said.

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had introduced legislation to Parliament to encourage more bosses to employ apprentices and trainees by providing an extra 25% payroll rebate.

Media Contact: Ellen McIntyre 0438 768 734