New Energex electricity apprentices welcomed

Thirty-two new electricity apprentices have been officially welcomed to Energy Queensland’s Energex company.

Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath was joined by Member for Kallangur and former Powerlink electrician Shane King to congratulate the apprentices on their new career choice.

“Apprenticeships at Energex are more than just jobs – they’re a commitment to the community and the start of a career,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“In good weather and bad, they will now be responsible for helping ensure the people of Queensland continued to enjoy a world-class, reliable electricity supply.

“And in the current sweltering conditions, our quality of life depends on that reliable supply.”

Mr King said Energex apprentice positions were a community commitment.

“It’s the job of all Energex staff to keep the lights on and they often work in atrocious conditions to restore power after severe weather such as storms and cyclones,” Mr King said.

“And for apprentices who want to extend their career beyond the trade, there are options to advance into management and engineering within the sector.”

Mrs D’Ath said the new recruits would commence Electrical Fitter Mechanic and Linespeople training before joining more than 180 apprentices already working in the field at Energex.

“Over the past decade nearly 750 apprentices have completed their trades at Energex which shows that both the company and Government are strongly committed to skills training and creating jobs for Queenslanders,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“These are opportunities that might have been lost under the LNP’s plans to sell Energex, which the Palaszczuk Government put a stop to.

“This means we can ensure the Government can continue to support apprenticeships and jobs through our energy companies.

“The Palaszczuk Government is about a real future for Queenslanders by offering real training for real jobs and each of these apprentices will learn a trade that’ll provide them with the skills to earn a good income for their working life.”

Once the apprentices complete their initial tuition at Energex’s Rocklea training centre they will be sent on the job to one of the following locations:

• Kelvin Grove Depot (4 apprentices)
• Geebung Depot (6 apprentices)
• Greenslopes (9 apprentices)
• Maroochydore Depot (5 apprentices)
• Southport Depot (4 apprentices)
• Raceview Depot (4 apprentices)

Energex recruits for apprentices twice a year and encourages those seeking a trade in the industry to keep an eye on the company’s careers website careers.energex.com.au for upcoming opportunities.

ENDS

Media contact:

Minister for Training and Skills – 0437 696 809

Danny Donald (Energex) - 0439 719 116