Ergon apprentices enter highly-valued roles in electricity industry

Rockhampton: 54 new recruits have embarked on some of the state’s most keenly sought after apprenticeships with Ergon Energy.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said the new apprentices had entered the industry at a time when skilled workers were in strong demand.

“Your training will open up exciting opportunities in the electricity industry and the skills you learn will be put to good use right here in the region,” Mr Wilson said.

The Minister officially welcomed the newest Ergon Energy employees at an induction ceremony in Rockhampton, where he presented them with their personal protection gear.

The new apprentices will be based at 21 depots across the state. They were selected from a field of almost 1200 applicants.

“This means Ergon Energy has been able to recruit the best of the best,” he said.

Minister Wilson commended Ergon Energy for continuing to invest in the future of Queensland.

“Ergon has hired and trained record numbers of apprentices and field staff to meet the challenges of the fastest-growing state in Australia,” he said.

“This is also about renewal. Apprentices are vital in renewing any industry workforce.

As well as the new apprentices, a further 22 Ergon Energy staff will start sponsored apprenticeships later in the year, bringing the total number of apprentices currently indentured to Ergon to around 400,” Mr Wilson said.

Some of the positions in this year’s intake include apprentice power line workers, systems electricians, communication technicians and mechanical fitters.

“Most of the apprentices have been offered jobs in their home town, so they’ll be able to start their new careers in familiar surroundings,” he said.

The new apprentices will be based in Atherton, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Clermont, Dalby, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Ingham, Kingaroy, Longreach, Mackay, Mareeba, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Stanthorpe, Thursday Island, Toowoomba, Townsville and Warwick.

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