Downs apprentices bolstering electricity industry

Queensland’s electricity industry has its eye firmly on the future with 119 apprentices, including 17 in the Downs region, kicking off careers with the state’s publicly-owned electricity businesses.

“These apprentices will become important members of teams across the state than ensure Queensland’s reliable and secure energy supply,’’ Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said. 

“This apprenticeship can become a very rewarding long-term career,’’ Dr Lynham said.

“When natural disasters strike, it’ll be these young men and women, who the community will turn, as part of the Ergon team,   to get power back up and running.

“When a cyclone or storm rips through the region, you will be  ones working around the clock to get lives back on track.

“The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to create jobs for Queenslanders, including these much sought-after apprenticeships.’’

The 11 Ergon apprentices began their training today at the depot on the corner of South and Hampton. Four apprentices are starting work at Stanwell Power Station and two at Kogan Creek near Chinchilla.

Across Queensland 34 Energex apprentices were undertaking their initial training before being based at 14 depots in the south east corner. Energex also hired 17 apprentices for its mid-year intake.

A further 68 apprentices are set to begin training with Ergon Energy in Townsville, Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Toowoomba last week and Cairns and Maryborough this week and will soon head to 32 depots across regional and rural Queensland.

CS Energy has six apprentices at its power stations, Kogan Creek near Chinchilla and Callide at Biloela. Stanwell has hired nine at its power stations, Stanwell near Rockhampton, Tarong near Kingaroy and Kareeya Hydro near Tully.

Dr Lynham said in a traditionally male-dominated industry, it was encouraging to see 32 women among the new recruits and 11 identifying as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

“The apprentices can train in a range of trades: communications technician, distribution linesperson, transmission linesperson, mechanical fitter, electrician or underground cable jointer.

“I hope it will be the start of a long and enjoyable career for each of them.’’

Editors note - Group photo available that includes apprentices from Toowoomba, Dalby, Roma, Stanthorpe and Warwick. 

Media enquiries: David Potter 0428 411 617