Essential Energy has expanded its apprenticeship program to strengthen the capability of its workforce in support of Australia’s clean energy transition.
To help meet the projected demand for new skills, Essential Energy has embarked on its largest apprenticeship recruitment campaign in more than 15 years.
The electricity distributor is expanding its training programs to fill the projected gaps in industry capability as new and emerging technology and renewable power sources are rolled out across NSW.
While traditional trade qualifications will remain integral to Essential Energy’s four-year apprenticeship program, additional training modules will be introduced to complement existing programs and build the skills, expertise and on-the job experience that will be crucial in supporting the expanding pipeline of new energy infrastructure projects across the state.
Given the rapid pace of change as energy networks adapt to a low-carbon future, Essential Energy is developing micro-courses to guide training on clean energy skills and expertise, with the plan to expand into accredited courses and training program components.
Subjects will include courses covering: Solar energy; electric vehicles; battery storage; Stand Alone Power Systems (SAPS); commissioning and decommissioning renewable technologies.
Essential Energy will explore its regional footprint covering 95 per cent of the state to identify potential sites to host training programs for the new and renewable technologies and plans to collaborate with tertiary institutions and industry peers to share research and resources.
Chief people officer at Essential Energy, Amalie Smith, said it is the most exciting time to start an apprenticeship or traineeship because the opportunities are endless.
“In reality, the jobs of the future are still being defined, which is one of the attractions for people entering the industry now. We aren’t just offering people a job, we are offering them a stimulating long-term career,” she said.
“We are a regional business that thinks on a global level. Access to highly skilled labour has already been identified by the industry as one of the biggest potential hurdles for Australia in achieving its clean energy targets.
“We are committed to nurturing a diverse and highly skilled workforce required to support a renewable energy future, but we recognise that the capability can’t be developed overnight. The work to prepare our teams for the net zero journey must start now and that’s why our apprentices will be training for the jobs of the future, today."
Essential Energy’s apprenticeship program, which combines study and on-the-job practical experience, is seeking 125 apprentices and trainees across 77 locations in regional NSW.
The campaign has already attracted strong interest from female candidates, reflecting the larger numbers of young women taking on STEM subjects at school, TAFE and university.
The program is recognised for its high completion rates – 93 per cent of Essential Energy apprentices graduate, compared to a national average of 63 per cent.
Importantly, more than 90 per cent remained with the business after completing their apprenticeship, with one in four promoted into higher level technical and supervisory roles.