CS energy has announced that its apprenticeship and traineeship program will continue to operate in 2016, with 18 people getting the chance to earn a nationally recognised qualification at the company this year.
The state-owned energy provider will offer the opportunities at its Callide Power Station, which is near Biloela. Treasurer Curtis Pitt welcomed the news, claiming organisations across Queensland have created 60,400 jobs over the last 12 months and more are on the way.
He said the government’s $240 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work program will curb unemployment in the state, while $34 million in funding for TAFE will support vocational education and training.
Mr Pitt was at Callide Power Station on Monday (February 1) to meet Matthew Russell, an award-winning apprentice who completed his placement at the facility.
“Since completing his Certificate III in Electrical and Instrumentation last year, Matthew has been employed as a Level 1 Technician at the power station, which involves maintaining and calibrating electrical equipment,” Roy Powell, Callide Power Station General Manager, stated. “It’s a role where Matthew says he regularly gets to apply his love of ‘fixing things’.”
Mr Russell said he has been fortunate enough to learn his trade from various people with whom he has worked closely over the last few years. He added that his apprenticeship enabled him to make some good friends in the workplace.
CS Energy apprentices and trainees
According to Mr Powell, seven apprentices have begun their training at Callide Power Station this month. Of these, five are working towards adult apprenticeships, which are designed to help people aged 25 and over to learn the skills they need to start new careers.
CS Energy’s website says the company currently employs 25 apprentices and trainees across various professions, including electrical, warehousing, administration and fitting/machining.
“Our apprentices and trainees have excellent completion rates and have performed strongly at local apprentice and trainee awards in recent years,” the organisation states. “We understand the importance of nurturing the next generation by offering apprentice and trainee opportunities.”
The business also provides apprenticeships and traineeships to existing staff members who want to expand their workplace skills.
Last September, CS Energy revealed it would be spending $71 million on renovating its power stations in 2015-16. Chief Executive Officer Martin Moore said the projects would offer employment support for hundreds of people looking for jobs in Queensland.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
