Energy Queensland welcomes 11 new Rocky Ergon apprentices

Queensland’s next generation of energy experts are getting their first taste of the electricity industry, including 18 apprentices starting their training at Ergon Energy’s Rockhampton depot this week.

Minister for Energy Mark Bailey and Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne attended the official welcome today for 18 apprentices doing their initial training in Rockhampton, 11 of which will work locally in Rockhampton this year.

“It’s the job of Ergon crews to keep the lights on and restore power after storms and cyclones,” Mr Bailey 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.”

Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne said the apprentices would train as communications technicians, distribution linespersons, electrotechnology electricians and transmission linespersons.

“An apprenticeship with Ergon Energy is not only the start of a great career, it’s a commitment to the community,” Mr Byrne said. 

“As they learn the skills of their trades, they will be responsible for helping to ensure the people of regional and rural Queensland continue to enjoy a world-class, safe and reliable electricity supply.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said it was vital to continue to teach and pass on the front-line expertise and skills of an Ergon worker.

“This year’s recruits were selected from around 2400 applicants, which shows the calibre of working for a government owned corporation such as Ergon,” Ms Lauga said. 

“This is a great example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to training and employment.”

Mr Bailey said, Queensland wide, there are 65 new apprentices this year, continuing Ergon’s commitment to training the workforce of tomorrow.

“The 65 new recruits represent Queensland's great diversity and include five Indigenous apprentices and six females breaking into the traditionally male-dominated roles,” Mr Bailey said.

“While the majority of new apprentices are school-leavers, about a third are aged 21 or older. The group also includes seven current employees who have successfully sought an apprenticeship to further their careers.”

“Once they have completed their initial training in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Maryborough or Toowoomba, the apprentices will return to their home depots in 29 locations, from Toowoomba to Cunnamulla, Cloncurry and Thursday Island.”

This year’s intake of apprentices will be based in the following depots (one apprentice unless otherwise stated): Atherton, Biloela, Blackall, Blackwater, Bowen, Bundaberg (5), Cairns (6), Chinchilla, Cloncurry, Cunnamulla, Emerald, Gayndah, Gin Gin, Gladstone (2), Hervey Bay, Home Hill (2), Hughenden, Kingaroy, Longreach, Mackay (4), Maryborough, Moura, Proserpine, Rockhampton (11), Tara, Thursday Island, Toowoomba (6), Townsville (8) and Yeppoon.

ENDS

Media contact: 

Amy Hunter- 0423 651 484

Ergon Energy - Rod Rehbein on (07) 4153 9813 or 0407 031 072