Echuca’s Jake Preston and Rhys Woodland have hit the ground running as part of CitiPower and Powercor's largest intake of apprentices and trainees in a decade.
The two Echuca locals are now learning the skills to help keep the power network safe and reliable for more than 1.2 million homes and businesses.
A total of 46 recruits were selected from a record field of more than 1,100 applicants from diverse backgrounds, including hospitality, animal handling, civil construction, plumbing, electrical trades, traffic control, telecommunications, rigging and carpentry.
Ranging in age from 17 to 39, the new apprentices are based in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Colac, Warrnambool, Shepparton, Cobram, Kyneton, Echuca, Mildura, Horsham, Maryborough, Richmond and Brooklyn.
The group includes eight women - the highest female intake of the apprenticeship and traineeship program so far.
Head of Operations and Delivery, Barry David, said the roles included the only lineworker apprenticeships offered directly by a Victorian network business.
“We are building the next generation of our field workforce, which plays an essential role in keeping the lights on for communities,” he said.
“This summer, our field teams have been responding to major storms, fires and other weather events, getting the power back on to communities safely and as quickly as possible."
“Our new apprentices will become part of our frontline teams and have an opportunity to build a career in an essential industry that is rapidly changing, delivering new opportunities and the need for new skills.”
Recruits have been placed in a range of roles, such as overhead lineworkers, underground cable jointers, electrical fitters and designers.
Each apprentice and trainee has been assigned a mentor to help guide them through their course and offer on-the-job training during the next four years.
“Our apprenticeship program is important in building a skilled and diverse workforce,” Mr David said.
“Whether it’s restoring power during a major weather event or upgrading the network to support our state’s transition to a cleaner energy future, these roles are on the front lines.”
CitiPower and Powercor’s apprenticeship program has been running for more than 20 years, with more than 500 apprentices completing the program and 109 apprentices currently part of the workforce.
The 2025 apprentice intake will open later this year.