Transgrid apprentices and graduates take up posts in clean energy transition

Transgrid has welcomed its 2024 intake with 37 new graduates and 18 new apprentices taking up their posts at locations across the 13,000km network including Newcastle, Orange, Tamworth, Ultimo, Wagga Wagga, Wallgrove (Eastern Creek) and Yass.

Executive General Manager of People, Culture and Safety Stephen McSweeney said: “It’s never been a more exciting time to work in Australia’s energy industry and these graduates and apprentices are the next generation of leaders who will support the country’s transition to a renewable energy future.

“The 2024 cohort will gain valuable skills and experience across our existing transmission network in the NSW and ACT, as well as our major transmission projects which are critical to delivering cleaner and cheaper renewable energy to millions of Australians.

“This year Transgrid has recorded the highest intake of women for our award-winning Graduate Program with 20 female participants representing 54% of the class. It is very exciting to see so many women putting their hands up to start a career in energy.”

Hayley Hewson, 17, from Canberra, has joined Transgrid as a first-year apprentice electrical substation technician based at Yass.

Ms Hewson was a Year 11 student when she enrolled in Transgrid’s pre-apprenticeship program for women last year.

“After spending a week at Transgrid it was pretty obvious they are focused on encouraging women not just into trades but giving them opportunities for promotion in other parts of the business,” she said.

“I have always been interested in the electrical industry and maths. I’m also keen to play a part in the renewable energy transition and help to make the world better.”

Allan Kruger-Davis, 41, has gone from lights and sirens as a paramedic to helping keep the lights on as a new graduate with Transgrid based at the Newcastle depot.

“I was a paramedic with NSW Ambulance for 15 years, ten years full-time and the last five years part-time so I could study engineering at Newcastle University,” he said.

“I want to take part in the energy transition and Transgrid is at the centre of it. The most pressing issue to decarbonising the grid is the build out of new transmission infrastructure and getting renewables in. 

“I’m excited by the opportunities and the risks of the energy transition especially for my community of Newcastle and the Hunter because we have a lot of skin in the game, and I want to help drive good outcomes for my community.”

Alex George, 28, of Penrith, has followed in the footsteps of his father Robert who was an electrical linesman in the 1980s and 1990s.

Mr George has now joined Transgrid as an apprentice transmission lines technician based at Wallgrove (Eastern Creek) after spending 10 years in telecommunications at Lendlease.

“I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie and I love working at heights,” he said.

“At Lendlease I was working on power poles between 5-8m high and then doing 5G antennas about 15m high at the top of telegraph poles.

“Transmission is even higher and I’m excited about working on Transgrid’s towers and travelling to different places playing a part in the renewable energy transition. I’m really looking forward to the adventure.”

Graduate Program participants undertake a two-year program learning from leading experts, contributing to nation-critical projects, and developing professional skills to turbocharge their careers. It combines on-the-job learning and formal training, with graduates rotating through different placements in areas including engineering, construction, IT, finance, legal and communications.

Apprentices will develop highly technical skills and carry out work on transmission projects crucial to Australia’s clean energy future in positions including electrical substation technician, transmission lines technician, and electronics and communication technician.

Transgrid has been recognised as a Graduates’ Top 100 Employer by Prosple, an international job platform for university students, ranking 1st in the energy and utilities sector and 76th overall in Australia.

For the first time ever, Transgrid has featured in the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) Top Graduate Employers list, coming 1st in its industry and 2nd in its intake size (medium).

Applications for Transgrid’s 2025 Graduate Program are open until March 31. For more information visit: https://www.transgrid.com.au/careers/graduate-program

Expressions of interest are now open for the 2025 Apprentice Program: https://www.transgrid.com.au/careers/apprentice-program

Media contact: Mark Nolan 0429 047 136