Transgrid recruiting for apprentices to help build transmission network of the future

The 24-year-old from Harden–Murrumburrah is in the first year of his Substation Technician apprenticeship, based at Transgrid’s Yass depot.

“I’d been a plumber for six years but was looking for something different and I wanted to become a Transgrid apprentice to gain skills in high voltage electricity in a company with a high safety standard that puts their employees first,” he said.

Josh said he enjoys the variety of work and outdoor locations on the transmission network.

“The highlight of my experience as a first year apprentice has been working up in the Snowy Mountains, it is such a beautiful part of the world and being up there in the snow for work while taking in the scenery was amazing,” he said.

17-year-old Lucia McLoughney from Cessnock is also a first year apprentice and is based at Newcastle.

Lucia was studying Electrotechnology at a local trade school when she met some of the Transgrid team at an employment expo.

“The insight I got from speaking with them opened my eyes to the work that Transgrid do. I had no previous knowledge but it sounded exciting so I decided to apply.

“The apprenticeship so far has been both exciting and rewarding. I’ve learnt a lot in such a short period and the team of tradespeople that I work with have been supportive and are always there to impart their knowledge,” Lucia said.

Applications are now open for Transgrid’s 2023 Apprenticeship Program and Josh and Lucia are encouraging others to apply.

“It’s such a great opportunity and there’s so much training on offer. It’s not just electrical skills you lean but we’ve done everything from welding to working at heights and heavy vehicles, there is so much to learn, just go for it,” Josh said.

“If you’re interested in applying to join the team at Transgrid. Do your homework, know what Transgrid does and be enthusiastic and ready to try new things,” Lucia added.

Transgrid’s high voltage transmission network connects more than 3.5 million homes and businesses across NSW and the ACT and delivers safe and reliable electricity.

Electrical Substation Technician Apprentices roles are being offered at Eastern Creek, Newcastle, Orange, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga and Yass.

Telecommunication Technician Apprentice positions are also available at Eastern Creek, Orange and Yass.

We are also excited to announce that Transmission Line Apprentice positions are also being offered in Wagga, Orange and Tamworth.

Apprentice Lead Kailee Standen said the Apprenticeship Program opens many doors in the energy sector.

“I was fortunate to start with Transgrid as an Electrical Apprentice when I was 16 – today I manage a team of 32 Substations and Telecommunication Technician Apprentices across our 6 regions.”

“I am very excited to announce our opening for our 2023 intake of Apprentices. As a Transgrid apprentice you will receive hands-on learning and development in a supportive and stimulating environment and may have the chance to work on some of Australia’s most important energy projects,” she said.

With the rapidly accelerating pace of Australia’s transition to clean energy current apprentices Josh and Lucia say the future is exciting.

“What excites me about working in energy is knowing that we light up schools, homes and streets to powering local businesses, hospitals and everything in between,” Josh said.

“There is a lot happening in Australia in the energy space. Transgrid plays a big part in future proofing the network and it means I get involved with the transition to a sustainable future, Lucia said.

If you know someone who would like to follow in Josh and Lucia’s footsteps applications for Transgrid’s 2023 Apprenticeships Program are now open and will close on September 4^th 2022.

If you know someone who may be interested in the Apprenticeships Program you can find more information and apply online here.