John (L) has commenced his electrical apprenticeship with Envision Energy, a 100% owned and operated indigenous clean energy company. Pictured with Chrae, owner director of Envision Energy.
Chrae Tawhai has a vision that stems from his own personal experience as a First Nation’s man. A proud Arrernte man originally from Mparntwe, Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Chrae spent his whole apprenticeship working in remote communities. Completing his apprenticeship at the age of 20, he moved to Meanjin, Brisbane where he then found his passion in renewable energy. As a young man, Chrae was given an opportunity for work experience which then led to an apprenticeship as an electrician.
Fast forward and he is now the owner director of Envision Energy, a 100% owned and operated First Nations company with the goal of ‘Providing Power to the Community’. Specialising in Renewable Energy, Envision Energy offers a wide range of services across Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales, including design and installation of PV Solar System, Battery Storage Systems, Off Grid Solar, EV Charging and Electrical Installation and Maintenance.
Wanting to pay this opportunity forward, Chrae is especially passionate about initiatives to mentor and train Indigenous youth to succeed in the renewable energy sector. Envision Energy, under Chrae’s leadership, aims to lead in renewable energy, ensuring that even remote communities always have reliable power.
Chrae said of his vision, “My passion is renewable energy, particularly on Country where we can save people from spending money on energy bills as well as providing pathways for youth into employment. An opportunity was presented to me and now I want to do the same for others. When someone gives you a shot and you’re motivated and have the initiative to do something better, you can, you just need a bit of guidance along the way!”
BUSY At Work recently supported Envision Energy to sign up John Ballangarry into his clean-energy recognised, electrical apprenticeship. Because John is a new apprentice in a clean energy sector, he is also eligible for the B Green support offered by BUSY At Work, as well as up to $10,000 to support him during his apprenticeship, under the New Energy Apprentice Support Payment. BUSY At Work is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Services provider who also provides Australian Government funded mentorship for First Nation’s apprentices, partnering with Yilibara (NSW) and Five Bridges (QLD) to deliver the Together program, and will be supporting John with mentorship during his apprenticeship.
Chrae stated, “We just signed up John through BUSY At Work and he’s getting some assistance through the First Nation’s program, a bit of mentorship and support loans to help him get started. Like getting a car to get to work and tools to set him up for his trade requirements. To get into this type of renewable energy you must be an electrician first and foremost. So, you need to do your electrical apprenticeship like I did and then get your solar ticket. John had previous work experience putting solar panels on roofs, but he was never afforded the opportunity to do electrical work and earn his apprenticeship. I told John that I was no different to you at one point but from where I was to where I’ve come, I can help you get there too.”
John was signed up for his apprenticeship on the first of July and starts trade school next year. Once he completes his apprenticeship and gains further tickets in the renewable energy sector, John will be able to perform a variety of tasks and responsibilities that will take his career further.
With the mentoring support provided by Chrae and the Together program, John’s future is looking bright!
Learn more about Envision Energy.
Find out more about mentoring support for First Nation’s apprentices through BUSY At Work’s Together program and their support for clean energy apprentices through the B-Green program.
