Callide Power Station welcomes new apprentices

Seven Central Queenslanders started work this week as electrical and mechanical apprentices at CS Energy’s Callide Power Station near Biloela.

Minister for Energy Mark Bailey, who is in Central Queensland for Cabinet this week, welcomed the new apprentices and said they were about to get an insight into the power station’s vital role in the electricity supply chain.

“Callide Power Station has a long history of providing reliable baseload electricity into the national grid,” Mr Bailey said.

“Over the next four years, these apprentices will learn from experienced tradespeople at Callide, many of whom have worked in the power generation industry for decades.”

The Callide Power Station hosts apprentices and trainees as part of its longstanding partnership with Gladstone Area Group Apprentices (GAGAL).

Callide Power Station General Manager Roy Powell said the latest apprentice intake brought the total number of apprentices and trainees working at Callide Power Station to 21.

“Our apprenticeship scheme has provided a healthy flow of talent into the business and I am confident that this group will ensure that trend continues,” Mr Powell said. 

“We have a diverse intake of apprentices this year from a range of backgrounds. Five of the apprentices are new starters and two are CS Energy employees who are taking up an adult apprenticeship.

“CS Energy is proud to offer young people a foot in the door to the power generation industry as well career pathways for our existing employees.”

GAGAL CEO Leigh Zimmerle said CS Energy and GAGAL had enjoyed a long and successful partnership.

“We are very happy with the ‘hands on’ training that Callide Power Station supplies to our apprentices,” Ms Zimmerlie said.

ENDS

Media contact:

Minister Bailey’s office – 0428 079 640

CS Energy Media Line – 3854 7399