Media Release: Former mechanic swaps cars for power apprenticeship

Jahd Anderson is one of seven apprentices Victoria-wide, selected from a field of 575 applicants for a sought-after role as a line worker, electrical fitter, meter technician or underground cable jointer.

Mr Anderson, who will spend the next four years training to become a cable jointer, said Powercor offered a lot of opportunity and a supportive environment.

“I have two friends who work at Powercor and they gave me a good insight into company, what I’d be doing and what I was applying for,” Mr Anderson said.

“I feel like the company actually cares about your well-being and they seem to look after you pretty well. My friends who work at Powercor have nothing but praise for the company.

Mr Anderson, a former Automotive Mechanic apprentice with a Diploma of Engineering Technology under his belt, said he was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work for Powercor

“When I received the call telling me I had received the apprenticeship I was over the moon,” Mr Anderson said.

“Understanding that you’re working for a company that actually looks after you is a big motivation.

“Having a supportive environment and people willing to invest in you – that definitely wants to make me work hard because I know I’m going to be well looked after in the future.”

Mr Anderson joins 38 current apprentices already undertaking apprenticeships across various depots and trades.

Since 2001, CitiPower Powercor has recruited more than 400 apprentices and trainees. The 2019 cohort was selected following a range of rigorous assessment and recruitment activities – including testing for mechanical, numerical and verbal reasoning, a video and face-to-face interviews and a practical working at heights test.

Powercor General Manager Network Services, Peter Bryant said most field work was performed by internal Powercor employees and this had increased significantly over the past five years.

“We have increased the number of Powercor people working in the field, maintaining and operating a safe and reliable network and these apprenticeships are an important part of building that team.

“The shortlisting and selection process for the new apprentices is extensive and highly competitive.

“Even getting to the selection process was no easy task, with 575 applications received in response to our recruitment campaign late last year.”

“What they all share is a passion for hands-on learning and playing their part in bringing safe and reliable electricity supply to our customers,” Mr Bryant said.

The newest team members are from a range of backgrounds including military training, plumbing, CFA volunteers, hospitality and auto-mechanic roles.

Some have been in the workforce for more than 10 years, while one has just completed his VCE.