EXTRA APPRENTICES ARE A POWERFUL ADDITION TO THE ENERGY NETWORK, SAYS STEPH COOKE
February 8, 2018
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the NSW Government announcement of Essential Energy appointing 37 new apprentices across the state, including the Cootamundra electorate.
Minister for Energy and Utilities Don Harwin says the network operator is drawing on regional talent to solidify its future.
“These new apprentices are joining an industry that provides an essential service to millions of people around the State,” Mr Harwin said.
“They’ll play an important role in providing a safe and secure network across regional NSW and will be very much part of the future of the industry.”
Ms Cooke said that West Wyalong is one of the locations which will be receiving the skills boost.
“The power network is perhaps one of the most important pieces of infrastructure which nobody notices,” she said.
“It works so seamlessly which means nobody has any reason to think about it, and that is thanks to the professionalism and hard work of Essential Energy’s maintenance teams.
“It’s reassuring to see that the high standards Essential Energy sets will continue to be met by the latest intake of apprentices, and I’m pleased to see that West Wyalong is one of the locations to receive a staffing boost.”
The apprentices are kick-starting their careers with a three-week induction at one of the company’s three training centres at Parkes, Grafton and Goulburn, said Minister Harwin.
“These apprentices will take up roles at 28 depot locations on completion of the training - the new recruits will support Essential Energy’s efforts to enhance network reliability and support regional development in NSW,” he said.
This unique pre-work induction instils in apprentices both the theory and practical components they need to adopt and maintain Essential Energy’s safety and customer service culture.
The majority of new recruits will be trained as powerline workers, with other opportunities also available.
“It’s great to see a diverse mix among the new recruits with both school leavers and mature age apprentices with previous experience in the workforce. Eleven of the recruits are female,” Ms Cooke said.
