Words by Ashleigh Howarth
Hundreds of people looking for jobs have been offered apprenticeships with Energex, including Natalie Taylor, who will join the team at the Caboolture depot.
Natalie is one of 144 apprentices across the state to join the company, after thousands of applications were received in the last year.
Natalie will spend the next four years gaining advanced practical trade skills from local Energex crews together with significant electrical theory.
Energex Area Manager for Brisbane North Chris Graham says Natalie is joining the electrical industry at an exciting time due to the rapid transformation of Queensland’s power network.
“It has been 50 years since we’ve seen the electrical industry evolving so quickly and Natalie will ultimately be a tradesperson who will never stop learning to keep pace with this evolution,” Chris says.
“Just 20 years ago electricians were expected to ensure power was shifted safely one way from generators to homes and businesses via poles and wires.
“Now, with the integration of EV solar power, battery storage, electric vehicles and smart home management systems, this industry has transformed significantly - power now needs to flow two ways, and technological advancement is showing no signs of slowing.
“This means the apprentices joining us today will never stop learning and adapting their skills to keep pace with the changes of today and tomorrow.”
According to Energex, this year’s intake of apprentices include:
People aged 21 and under – 47 per cent
Are female – 30 per cent
Aged 30 and older – 22 per cent
Identify as First Nations – 12 per cent
Former Defence Force personnel – 10 per cent
Big boost for apprentices
Energex and Ergon are looking to increase their number of apprentices by 10 per cent each year, doubling the current apprentice numbers from 460 in 2022 to 900 by 2030.
More information about Energex apprenticeships as transmission linespersons, electrotechnology electricians, mechanical fitters, underground cable jointers and communications technicians can be found on the Energex website.
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