General News
11 March, 2024
New staff for Powercor
The largest intake of apprentices and trainees in a decade has joined CitiPower and Powercor and are now learning the skills to help keep the power network safe and reliable for more than 1.2 million homes and businesses. Forty-six recruits were...
The largest intake of apprentices and trainees in a decade has joined CitiPower and Powercor and are now learning the skills to help keep the power network safe and reliable for more than 1.2 million homes and businesses.
Forty-six recruits were selected from a record field of more than 1100 applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including hospitality, animal handling, civil construction, plumbing, electrical trades, traffic control, telecommunications, rigging and carpentry.
The group includes eight women — the highest female intake of the apprenticeship and traineeship program so far.
Ranging in age from 17 to 39 years of age, the new apprentices are in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Colac, Warrnambool, Shepparton, Cobram, Kyneton, Echuca, Mildura, Horsham, Maryborough, Richmond and Brooklyn.
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, which include:
• 31 overhead lineworkers
• Two electrical fitters
• Six underground cable jointers
• Three control and protection testers
• Four designers
“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.