Frequently Asked Questions - Apprenticeship Program
What does an Apprenticeship at Powercor and CitiPower consist of?
Our apprenticeships offer an opportunity to commence a career in the electricity industry.
Apprenticeships run for 4-years and incorporate both formal and on-the-job training. Formal training entails a maximum of 8-10 weeks per year of schooling of which the final year is all on-the-job.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be classified as qualified and offered a permanent position within our group.
How many apprentices do you employ each year?
Dependant on business requirements, we generally look to appoint approximately 20 apprentices into the 1st year of our program.
What kind of apprenticeships are offered at CitiPower/Powercor?
We offer three kinds of apprenticeships:
- Powerline Worker - responsible for constructing and maintaining overhead and underground electrical lines and structures. Candidates must be willing to work outdoors, on ladders and elevated work platforms, in all weather conditions.
- Electrical Fitter - responsible for constructing and maintaining electrical substations, including switching and rectifying faults with electrical plant and equipment.
- Meter Technician - responsible for installation, maintenance and testing of energy metering and associated communication equipment.
What I will learn?
While completing your apprenticeship you will learn all aspects of the field you have chosen. Key areas will include how to be a positive contributor to a team, applying safe work practices and specific industry knowledge.
What qualifications are obtained once I complete my apprenticeship?
When you complete your apprenticeship you will have skills which are transferable across the industry, in addition to a trade based qualification.
As a Powerline Worker you will obtain a Certificate III in ESI Distribution (Powerline).
As an Electrical Fitter you will obtain an Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Systems Electrician).
As a Meter Technician you will obtain an Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Systems Electrician) specialising in metering communications.
What are the benefits in obtaining an apprenticeship with Powercor and CitiPower?
Being paid while you learn and study on the job is obviously a big advantage! In undertaking an apprenticeship, you are starting a career with the state's largest electricity distributor. You will have full-time employment, working outdoors away from the confines of an office and you will gain a trade qualification that is recognised across the industry.
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Our apprentices will have a passion for power and communications in the utilities sector. Our program is designed for anyone who has a minimum Year 11, with a pass in Generalist Maths.
TAFE students who are on track to completing a training or pre-apprenticeship course are also eligible to apply.
What type of people are you looking for?
We are looking for people who enjoy working outdoors, and are prepared to work at heights and in all weather conditions. You will be enthusiastic, willing to listen and respect the importance of health and safety in our industry. You will also enjoy mathematics and customer/people contact.
What salary and benefits can I expect?
The starting salary for our 1st year apprentices is around $500 per week (+10% superannuation) which increases on an annual basis to a fourth year salary of around $750 per week (+10% superannuation).
If employed on a permanent basis after the apprenticeship has been completed, annual bonuses and salary increment increases are paid pending performance. We are happy to provide further information on salary at the time of interview.
As an employer, we recognise and value the importance of offering flexible work practices that strike a balance between work life interests. We offer awards such as our Business Innovation Cup and Spirit of Excellence to encourage employees to excel in their everyday work life. Other benefits that we offer include generous leave allowances, income protection, service awards, health and wellbeing programs and social club membership.
How do I apply?
Applications are available online during July each year.
What locations are you employing apprentices at?
A list of locations per apprenticeship offered is available on the online application form.
Can I apply to more than one job type and more than one location?
Yes, you will have the option to select your first and second preferences for both job type and location when completing the application form.
What does the application process involve?
An online application will generally take about 30 minutes to complete. Applicants will be asked to answer some general questions and provide a resume and cover letter.
Once applications have closed we undertake a thorough screening process and if short-listed you may be contacted to undertake either a brief telephone discussion and/or completion of Numerical, Aptitude and Mechanical Reasoning testing.
Further selection activities may involve a face-to-face panel based interview and participation in a Practical Field exercise (held at the Regional Depot of your preferred location).
Employment will be subject to the successful completion of a pre- employment medical examination (which includes hearing test, colour blindness and physical examination) and relevant drug and alcohol test, to assess fitness for work.
After I apply when should I expect to hear from you?
Once applications have been submitted, we will send an email to confirm receipt. Applicants will then be contacted after the closing date has expired, once all applications have been reviewed. Please note, due to the large number of applications that we receive, those that are unsuccessful in the initial screening stage will be notified via email only.
If I am successful in my application and gain an apprenticeship in the 2009 program, do I need to finish my school year & when would I start?
Yes, your letter of offer will specify that you must successfully complete your school year. A start date will be advised upon receipt of your letter of offer, anticipated early in 2009.
Do you offer work-experience?
We are reviewing our "field based" work-experience program and as such we currently do not have any work experience opportunities available in these areas.
What other entry level opportunities are there at CitiPower and Powercor?
We offer a 3-year structured Graduate Engineering Program for Electrical Engineers along with a vacation program over the summer break. Please see the Graduate & Vacation opportunity links under the careers section of our website for further information.
Do you employ overseas applicants?
You must be a permanent resident of Australia at the time of application in order to qualify for the program.
If I am already employed with another company, but am interested in applying to your program, will you consider my application?
Yes, however, you must be prepared to start as an apprentice on the base salary (as outlined above) and commit to the full four-year program.