Energy apprentices power up in Rockhampton

A new intake of Ergon Energy apprentices has begun training this week in Rockhampton.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the 12 apprentices undertaking their training in Central Queensland took the total number of Ergon and Energex apprentices currently in training across the state to 500.

“There are few careers in Queensland as important to our state’s ongoing prosperity as an energy worker,” the Treasurer said.

“Ergon workers are who communities across Queensland turn to in times of storm and cyclone.

“The work they do to restore power in the most trying conditions is nothing short of remarkable, and a testament to their dedication and training.

“But what these apprentices can do for Queensland goes way beyond recovery from natural disasters.

“They are our frontline in our relentless journey to becoming a renewable energy superpower.

“One of the key elements of the Palaszczuk Government’s Economic Recovery Plan is ensuring our current and future workforce has the skills required for the emerging opportunities that Queensland’s economic transformation presents.

Minister for Energy Mick De Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government was determined to keep Ergon and Energex publicly owned to continue investment in skills, training and regional jobs.

“This State’s publicly owned energy companies already have a 9,500 strong workforce - workforce at the heart of economic activity and prosperity in this State,” he said.

“And because of the Palaszczuk Government’s focus on jobs, skills and training, they are joined by an ever-growing number of apprentices.

“These latest Ergon apprentices starting here in Central Queensland are a stark reminder of the difference that public ownership makes to service delivery and safety in the electricity network.

“Queenslanders will never forget that the LNP will privatise their publicly owned electricity companies which they know leads to higher prices and less jobs in regional Queensland.

“We only have to look to Victoria to see the effects of privatisation where the Royal Commission into their devastating Black Saturday bushfires found that their private network hadn’t taken on a new apprentice in 10 years; and as a result a lack of skills and a lack of investment led to tragedy.”

The Treasurer said the Queensland Government was continuing to invest heavily in training to equip more Queenslanders with the skills they need for jobs in both emerging and traditional industries.

“In addition to our free TAFE and apprenticeship programs we’ve committed $320 million over four years to continue the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, as well as ongoing fund of $80 million a year beyond that to lock it in permanently,” he said.

“Supporting a Queenslander to gain the skills they need to pursue a career is not only life-changing for them and their family but helps build the capacity of our already strong workforce, making Queensland an even better place to invest.”

ENDS

Media contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875