A former emergency room nurse and a snake catcher are among 51 apprentices and trainees who have started work with CitiPower and Powercor this month, boosting the workforce that delivers safe and reliable power across Victoria.
The new starters are part of one of the largest intakes of apprentices and trainees in years.
Selected from more than 2,500 applications, the new starters range in age from 17 to 47, include six women, and include school leavers, domestic electricians and people wanting a career change.
They will be based in depots and offices across Bendigo, Ballarat, Mildura, Kyneton, Echuca, Shepparton, Maryborough, Warrnambool, Colac, Horsham, Geelong, Brooklyn, Burnley and Melbourne’s CBD.
Head of Operations and Delivery Barry David said the annual apprentice and trainee intake was an important investment in the workforce and our communities.
“This summer, we’ve have seen our crews responding to bushfires and extreme weather events, restoring power for customers when they need it most,” Barry said.
“These apprentices are stepping into roles that are essential to our communities. They are the next generation of workers who will be out there delivering safe and reliable power for decades to come.”
Recruits have been placed in a range of roles across the network, including:
- 23 apprentice lineworkers
- 11 trainee asset inspectors
- 6 apprentice substation electricians
- 4 trainee designers
- 4 apprentice cable jointers
- 2 trainee protection and control testers
- 1 apprentice meter technician
Each apprentice and trainee is paired with a mentor to support them through their training and on the job learning.
“This is a great group who come to their roles with a fantastic attitude, a strong safety focus and a real eagerness to learn,” Barry said.
CitiPower and Powercor’s apprenticeship program has been running for more than 20 years, with almost 600 apprentices completing the program and more than 100 apprentices currently part of the workforce.
The 2027 apprentice intake will open later this year.
