More than 100 apprentices will start their careers with the Queensland Government owned electricity distribution and supply companies Energex and Ergon Energy over the next month.
Of the 102 apprentices, 25 are female and 10 candidates identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Island descent.
Acting Energy Minister, Mark Furner, said the skills learned would help ensure Queensland continued to enjoy a world-class, safe and reliable electricity supply.
“The new apprentices will train as communications technicians, distribution linespersons, transmission linespersons, mechanical fitters, electricians or underground cable jointers,” Furner said.
“They will become part of the crews keeping the lights on, often working in challenging conditions to restore power after storms and cyclones.”
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Assistant Minister of State, Jennifer Howard, said the newcomers have been recruited to some of the most keenly sought-after apprenticeships on offer in the state.
“An apprenticeship with Energex is more than a 9-to-5, Monday-to-Friday job. It is a commitment to the community and the start of a career,” Howard said.
Energy Queensland Chief Executive, David Smales, said a significant change of approach in South East Queensland this year resulted in apprentices being based at 14 depots rather than at just six regional hubs and then being rotated around the smaller depots.
“This fits in well with our philosophy of offering most apprenticeships to local people so they can develop their skills while remaining in the community with their family and friends,” he said.
“As a result, we have recruited apprentices for our Gympie, Cooroy, Landsborough, Caboolture, Victoria Park, Cleveland, Beaudesert and Berrinba depots, in addition to the Maroochydore, Geebung, Kelvin Grove, Greenslopes, Raceview and Southport depots.”