Media Release – New power apprentices selected from record applications

Ten new recruits have donned the safety gear for the first time after being selected from a record number of candidates applying to join electricity distributor CitiPower and Powercor’s apprenticeship program.

More than 1,000 people applied for 2021 intake, with candidates undergoing an intensive selection process.

Ranging in age from 17 to 27, the recruits have this month begun roles as lineworkers, cable jointers or meter technicians at various depots including Ballarat, Bendigo, Echuca, Horsham, Geelong, Ardeer and Burnley.

CitiPower and Powercor Head of Field Services, Ross Young, said the successful applicants were chosen from 1,237 candidates – a 56% increase from the previous year and the largest field of candidates the business has had.

“Apprenticeships are an important way we invest in our people, providing opportunities to learn the skills needed to create a career in an exciting industry,” Mr Young said.

“We are pleased to be able to create 10 new jobs across western Victorian and the CBD as our state rebuilds its economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The new apprentices will receive hands-on learning and training through Holmesglen TAFE. Their work will range from delivering our major works program to restoring power safely and quickly to customer if a fault occurs, often during extreme weather conditions.

“As Victoria adopts more clean energy resources, and households are installing solar, batteries and investing in electric vehicles, our new apprentices will play an important role in supporting our customers make these changes,” Mr Young said.

Since 2001, CitiPower and Powercor have invested in more than 400 apprentices and trainees as the company builds its trades, technical and operational workforce.

The 10 new recruits join a large field workforce of more than 650 trades people located in 14 depots across the network, committed to high levels of customer service for their communities.

Successful applicants

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