Published Yesterday at 09:45 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership
The Honourable David Janetzki

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training
The Honourable Ros Bates

Southern Hemisphere's biggest power training yard opens to support next generation of Queensland sparkies

  • Biggest power training yard in the southern hemisphere opens in Rocklea after $39.5 million investment. 
  • Apprentices from Energex, Ergon Energy and Powerlink to train at state-of-the-art site.
  • The Crisafulli Government is investing in practical skills for the next generation of electrical workers to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future after opening the Southern Hemisphere's biggest open-air overhead network training yard at Rocklea, strengthening Queensland’s energy workforce and backing the skilled jobs that power our State. 

Rocklea has trained Queensland’s electrical workforce for more than 70 years, with this $39.5 million redevelopment ensuring the demands of our growing State can be met with a modern electricity network that delivers affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. 

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.  

Under Labor, workforce planning fell behind and skills shortages were allowed to deepen, while Queensland’s population continues to increase, investment in our power network is rising and experienced workers are retiring.  

The Crisafulli Government is supporting Energex, Ergon Energy and Powerlink to train the next generation of electrical workers, while building Queensland’s skilled workforce to power future jobs and economic opportunity across the State. 

More than half of this year’s apprentices from Government Owned Corporations come from Energy Queensland, with the majority of its 176 new apprentices training at Rocklea and working across 58 depots across the State. 

Energy Queensland’s long-standing commitment to identifying and training the State’s finest saw a record 7,100 applications for the 2026 intake. 

More than half of this year’s intake will be based in regional Queensland, with the apprentices entering six trade types - distribution linesperson, transmission linesperson, electrical fitter mechanic, electrician, telecommunications technician, and underground cable jointer. 

Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said a skilled workforce was critical to the Crisafulli Government's delivery of the Energy Roadmap. 

“The Crisafulli Government’s Energy Roadmap is focused on improving existing assets while building what is needed for the future,” Treasurer Janetzki said. 

“That includes the $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee to support investment into our state-owned generators to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity for Queenslanders.  

“Whether it’s maintaining our existing coal and gas-fired generators or connecting new batteries and renewable projects, a skilled workforce is critical to our energy security.” 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the project showed how the Crisafulli Government was supporting Government Owned Corporations to invest in the State's skills needs and deliver the best services and value for Queenslanders. 

“The Crisafulli Government is supporting the skilled workforce Queensland needs to keep the lights on and make our economy stronger,” Minister Bates said. 

“A stronger economy depends on affordable, reliable and sustainable energy and that means investing in the next generation of highly-trained electrical workers.” 

Energy Queensland Chief Executive Officer Peter Scott said the company’s apprenticeships were some of the most sought-after trade opportunities in Australia. 

“Some of our current executives, senior managers, managers and team leaders started their careers with an apprenticeship,” Mr Scott said. 

“I am very pleased that Energy Queensland now has this state-of-the-art training centre, so we can continue producing our industry-leading apprentices.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

Treasurer’s Office - Renee Smith, 0419 404 180 

Minister Bates’ Office – Christian Penny, 0439 882 294