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Apprenticeships: powerful futures in Qld’s energy sector

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Queensland’s publicly owned energy distributors are on the hunt for the state’s brightest sparks with applications for apprenticeships opening this Friday.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Ergon and Energex would be welcoming 86 apprentices next year with opportunities to be offered at 41 depots from Far North Queensland to the Gold Coast and west to Mount Isa and Longreach.

“Because of Queensland’s strong health response to COVID-19, we have been able to action Queensland’s plan for economic recovery,” he said.

“Central to that plan is a safe, reliable energy supply to business and industry backed by our publicly-owned energy assets, including Ergon.

“We’re also supporting young Queenslanders into jobs through apprenticeships.”

Some of the apprentice positions available include electrotechnology electricians, linespersons and underground cable jointers.

Dr Lynham said the apprentices of today are joining the electricity industry at an exciting time.

“Queensland’s renewable revolution is full steam ahead with almost 6700 megawatts of renewable energy generation capacity either operational and committed,” he said.

“These are the next generation of energy workers who will have the skills to support Queensland’s ongoing transition to a renewable future.

“This year has really driven home the importance of having world-class skills and resources within our own communities, and that’s what these apprenticeships offer.

Successful applicants will undertake training for an initial four-week block in early 2021 before heading to their home depots to begin their careers in the field.

Applications close on Tuesday, September 8.

Queensland’s publicly-owned electricity companies – Powerlink, Ergon, Energex, CS Energy, Stanwell Corp and CleanCo – will invest more than $1.76 billion on capital works in 2020-21, supporting up to 3920 jobs.

152 apprentices have started their careers at Energex, Ergon, Powerlink, Stanwell and CS energy depots and power stations across Queensland this year.

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