Frequently Asked Questions - Traineeships
What does a traineeship at CitiPower/Powercor consist of?
Our traineeships are structured programs combining work and study that offer opportunities to commence a career in the electricity industry.
Traineeships run for either a 3-year or 4-year period, incorporating 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 traineeship, you will be classified as a qualified technical or trade person (as appropriate) and will be offered a permanent position within our group.
How many trainees do you employ each year?
Dependant on business requirements, we generally look to appoint approximately 10 trainees into the 1st year of our program.
What kind of traineeships are offered?
We offer two kinds of traineeships:
- Electrical Tester - responsible for the maintenance, test and operation of electrical plant, protection and control equipment. Working in the field, our Electrical Testers take a lead role in fault situations and interface with a wide rage of technical people including Design Engineers, Electrical Fitters, Dratspeople, Project Managers and other field staff.
- Technical Officer Design - designs overhead and underground electricity systems to enable customers to be connected, and improvements to be carried out on the electricity network. Primarily office-based, these roles can have project site visits as necessary and will work with design tools such as GIS and AutoCAD.
What I will learn?
While completing your traineeship 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 traineeship?
When you complete your traineeship you will have skills which are transferable across the industry, in addition to a trade based qualification.
As an Electrical Tester you will obtain a Advanced Diploma - ESI Power Systems.
As a Technical Officer Design you will obtain a Diploma in ESI Power Systems.
What are the benefits in obtaining a traineeship with CitiPower/Powercor?
Being paid while you learn and study on the job is obviously a big advantage! In undertaking a traineeship, you are starting a career with the state's largest electricity distributor. You will have full-time employment, potentially 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 a traineeship?
Our trainees will have a passion for power and communications in the utilities sector. Our program is designed for anyone who has/will be completing a minimum of Year 12, with a pass in Maths Methods and/or Physics.
TAFE students who are on track to completing a training or pre-apprenticeship course are also eligible to apply for a traineeship.
Ideally, our trainees will be energetic, well-rounded and able to contribute innovative ideas and enthusiasm as part of a team.
What types of people are you looking for?
As a Trainee Electrical Tester, you will enjoy working outdoors and be prepared to work at heights and in all weather conditions. You will be enthusiastic, willing to listen, able to respect the importance of health and safety in our industry and enjoy mathematics and people contact.
As a Trainee Technical Officer Design, you will primarily enjoy working in an office environment with some site exposure. You will be enthusiastic, willing to listen, able to respect the importance of health and safety in our industry and enjoy using your problem solving and analytical skills.
What salary and benefits can I expect?
The starting salary for our 1st year trainees is around $658 per week (+10% superannuation) which increases on an annual basis to a fourth year salary of around $1250 per week (+10% superannuation).
If employed on a permanent basis after the traineeship 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 trainees at?
A list of locations per traineeship 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 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 a traineeship position in the 2011 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 2011.
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 Development 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 a trainee on the base salary (as outlined above) and commit to the full three or four-year program.