Record Energex and Ergon apprentice intake backs good jobs for Queenslanders

Energex and Ergon Energy Network are offering a record intake of 160 new apprentice positions in 2024, with a focus on diversifying the workforce
100,000 jobs are set to be created by the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, with expressions of interest for the first tranche now open
Energex and Ergon are increasing their apprentice intake by 10 percent each year for 10 years, as part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan

Energex and Ergon Energy are offering a record of around 160 new apprenticeships across Queensland in 2024.

The electricity distribution networks are increasing their apprentice intake numbers by 10 percent each year for 10 years as part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, and supporting the rollout of advanced technologies, including batteries and systems to support rooftop solar and EVs.

The increase in apprentice numbers each year means the Government-owned distribution networks are now among the largest employers of apprentices in Queensland.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy, Mick de Brenni:

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to delivering good jobs for Queenslanders, and today’s announcement means there will be more skilled workers in this rapidly growing industry.

“We are always working to provide Queensland’s homes, businesses and industry with safe and reliable power, and today’s apprentices will not only be responsible for the construction and maintenance of the state’s 233,000km of power network, but also the development of new solutions to support evolving technology on the grid.

“In terrific news for Queenslanders keen to work in energy transition, thanks to public ownership, the number of apprenticeships at the state-owned power distributors will grow year on year, giving candidates a better chance of scoring a secure energy industry job.

Quotes attributable to Energy Queensland’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Scott:

“Our apprentices soon get to learn that they’ll be working on a power network that’s constantly evolving to keep pace with technological advancements and increasing demand, which means they’ll be in a job where they’re challenged daily and never stop learning,” Mr Scott said.

“Furthermore, if they stay on with us after their apprenticeship, they’ve got professional development options such as further education, technical or leadership positions and, with additional jobs up for grabs each year, it’ll be great to get these motivated people on board.

“Energex and Ergon Energy Network currently have 517 apprentices, in various stages of their four-year apprenticeship, undertaking trades across five disciplines including distribution linesperson, electrotechnology electrician, communication technician, transmission linesperson, and mechanical fitter.”

Additional information:

Energex and Ergon Energy Network apprenticeships are among the most hotly contested in the country, with the companies receiving more than 4,500 applicants for these positions each year.
Applications for the apprenticeships open in mid-2023 and will be for various positions with the electricity distribution networks around the state.
The new apprentices for 2024 will start in January and mid-year at Energy Queensland’s specialised in-house training facilities at Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Maryborough, Toowoomba and Rocklea.
The key criteria are:

Be aged at least 17 at the time of their apprenticeship starting (ie, by mid-January next year). There’s no upper age limit.
Be a permanent resident or hold a subclass 866 or 200 visa.
Completed Year 12 and passed Senior Maths A or General Maths and English (and a science subject is also very handy to have) OR completed equivalent pre-vocational studies incl a Certificate II in Electrotechnology OR have relevant work experience.

There’s a lot of information on the Energex and Ergon websites to help people understand what’s involved in an apprenticeship, and how to prepare to apply:

Anyone interested can be the first to know about applications when they: register for a Job Alert.