Ergon Energy has announced it will be hiring 85 apprentices in Queensland this year, with candidates across the country expected to benefit from the company’s comprehensive training program.
The organisation will induct the apprentices at one of seven training centres: Maryborough, Toowoomba, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville or Brisbane. Following the completion of the program, the candidates will return to Ergon Energy workplaces at 40 locations across the state, from Thursday Island in the north down to Charleville in the south.
Ergon has a reputation for creating opportunities for apprentices in the state. For example, the firm opened up positions for 72 apprentices in 2014. Roslyn Baker, Acting Chief Executive of Ergon Energy, said apprenticeships enable the business to prepare a workforce for the future.
“It’s vital that we continue to teach and pass on the front-line expertise and skills now and into the future to deliver a safe, reliable and affordable electricity supply to customers. This apprenticeship intake demonstrates that commitment,” she stated.
According to Ms Baker, many of Ergon’s personnel based around the state began their careers through the organisation’s apprenticeships scheme. The current crop of apprentices was chosen from a competitive field of 2,200 applicants.
Ergon apprentices in Queensland
The company said this year’s apprentices come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including eight Indigenous and 17 female candidates. There was also a mixture of mature-age apprentices and recent school leavers among the selected individuals.
Ms Baker said natural disasters such as Cyclone Marcia highlight the importance of Ergon’s apprentices. The extreme weather phenomenon, which occurred in early 2015, cut off power for 65,000 of the organisation’s customers. However, after nearly a fortnight of continuous work, more than 900 field staff were able to get the lights up and running for Queensland residents.
This year’s apprentices will train as distribution linepersons, systems electricians, transmission linepersons and communications technicians. Ergon also provides apprenticeship opportunities to existing employees, with six current workers deciding to commence training in 2016.
“Some of the new recruits will embark on tertiary studies for either an associate degree or advanced diploma qualification while undertaking their usual apprenticeship training,” Ms Baker added.
Applications for this year have closed, but the company will begin recruiting again in July or August for 2017 placements.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
