Home-grown transmission line workforce to power Australia’s energy future

Legacy 100 will result in up to 100 candidates completing qualifications in Transmission Line Construction as part of the $1.8 billion EnergyConnect project being built from Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border.

Transgrid Executive General Manager of Major Projects Gordon Taylor said: “Transgrid and its construction partner SecureEnergy are committed to investing in the nation’s energy workforce to address skills and jobs shortages in regional NSW and support Australia’s great transition to clean energy.

“The first of 1,500 towers are currently being installed on EnergyConnect in southwestern NSW, with stringing of 9,000km of conductor cabling to get underway shortly, requiring hundreds of workers.

“There will be no transition without transmission and Legacy 100 will form the backbone of the future workforce in the transmission tower construction industry, with workers to use the skills gained on EnergyConnect to build other future transmission line projects.

“The comprehensive program will help the Australian energy sector to grow its own riggers and doggers, boosting jobs and skills in regional NSW, and reducing reliance on overseas trained workers.”

SecureEnergy Project Director Samuel Basanta Lopez said 100 candidates from across the Riverina and other parts of regional NSW are now wanted to join the program and take their careers to new heights.

“This is the first time in this country an initiative like this has been launched and we are very proud to be developing the skills and capabilities required for the Australian energy sector,” Mr Basanta Lopez said.

“Legacy 100 will be undertaken initially in Wagga Wagga by Ironbark Training which will target local and Indigenous candidates across the Riverina and Thomson Bridge which is the only Registered Training Organisation that has this qualification on scope.

“We are looking for local and regionally based people who have a passion for working at heights, and an ability to work away from home and live in a worker accommodation camp for 21 days at a time. Prospective candidates only need a current white card to seize the opportunities ahead.”

Prospective candidates can lodge an expression of interest in the Legacy 100 program by emailing recruitsecureenergy@elecnor.es or find out more information by calling 1800 49 06 66.

EnergyConnect fast facts

• EnergyConnect will enable the sharing of electricity between NSW, South Australia and Victoria for the first time to improve energy reliability, integrate renewable energy into the grid, lower power bills for consumers, and help Australia achieve its emissions reduction targets.
• Transgrid and its construction partner SecureEnergy are building the 700km NSW section of the project from Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border, with a connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria.
• The project is creating up to 1,500 jobs, primarily in regional NSW, and contributing $4 billion in net economic benefits.

Legacy 100 fast facts

• A Certificate II in Transmission Line Construction (UET20422) includes assembling transmission structures and installing hardware, stringing transmission overhead conductors prior to being tensioned and terminated, as well as essential compliance training required by the industry.
• The 18-month course includes instructor-led classroom, practical and theory, together with on-the-job training and mentoring.
• Riggers are responsible for assembling, installing, positioning and securing construction rigging such as working platforms, pulleys and winches used to undertake heavy lifting for construction projects, while doggers are responsible for correctly slinging and directing loads handled by cranes.
• Come and try sessions will be held at Wagga Wagga for prospective candidates to experience what it is like to work on an elevated platform.

Transgrid media contact:

Mark Nolan 0429 047 136