More jobs for energy apprentices

By Josie Chun

Electricity network Ausgrid, formerly EnergyAustralia, has taken on 154 new apprentices to work on their large infrastructure program, creating jobs and helping to fill the national skills shortage for qualified tradespeople.

The line workers, electricians, cable jointers and motor mechanics have begun their four-year on-the-job training on the electricity network across Sydney, the Hunter region and Central Coast. EnergyAustralia Managing Director George Maltabarow says that with the training they receive, the new recruits are setting themselves up for a stable career in a dynamic and growing industry.

With a new name, new Learning Centre and a new intake of apprentices, the electricity network is preparing for the future at a time of great change in the industry. ‘The electricity industry is facing its biggest change in 100 years,’ says Maltabarow. ‘We are rolling out new smart grid technology as part of an $8 billion upgrade of the electricity network.’

‘These new recruits will help deliver these programs. They will be the first crew to wear our new brand Ausgrid, and they will be the first new crew to be trained at our state-of-the-art learning centre,’ says Maltabarow.

With more than 600 apprentices in training at Ausgrid, the company is the largest single employer of apprentices in NSW. Its apprentices are trained at the Learning Centre in Silverwater, at facilities in Wallsend and Muswellbrook, and through TAFE NSW. They are paid to learn and gain a nationally recognised trade qualification while working on cutting-edge infrastructure projects like Smart Grid.

‘Our trainers are some of the best tradespeople in the business and the passing-on of their skills and experience is vital for our electricity network,’ says Maltabarow.

People interested in apprenticeships with Ausgrid can apply in July for next year’s intake. Visit www.ausgrid.com.au for more information.