Published: 2 Feb 2012
Ergon Energy has welcomed one of its largest apprentice intakes with 72 new recruits starting work this week – 12 of them women.
Chief Executive Ian McLeod said this was a wonderful achievement for the organisation, which remains strongly committed to training the workforce of tomorrow.
“The apprentices were chosen from more 2000 applicants for the sought-after positions. They’ll be based at more than 30 locations across Queensland, from Thursday Island in the north, south to Stanthorpe and west to Cloncurry,” Mr McLeod said.
“The apprenticeships we offer each year reflect the changing needs of our 4600 strong workforce,” he said.
“The 2012 apprenticeships include communications technicians, distribution linespersons, systems electricians, a transmission linesperson, mechanical fitter and boiler maker. “
Mr McLeod said the number of women undertaking trades with Ergon Energy had grown in recent years, as had the number of Indigenous apprentices.
“We’re working hard to be an employer which reflects the diversity of the communities we serve,” he said.
Mr McLeod said the new intake included a mix of mature-aged apprentices and teenagers straight from school, along with 12 female apprentices and four Indigenous apprentices.
“Working on powerlines has traditionally been dominated by men. This year, for the first time, Ergon Energy will have four women beginning linesperson training,” Mr McLeod said.
He said many of Ergon Energy’s recruits hailed from, and would continue to be based in the smaller towns of regional Queensland including Gayndah, Hughenden, Millmerran, Moura, Middlemount, Mundubbera, Murgon, Springsure and Thursday Island.
“This means they won’t have to leave their homes to find work and they can gain valuable skills in a good, solid trade,” Mr McLeod said.
“We wish them the best of success as we welcome them into our workforce,” he said.
All new apprentices attend a week-long induction, which includes health, safety and environmental awareness training.
Depending on their chosen trades, the recruits will then undergo between three and eight weeks of technical training in Brisbane, Townsville or Rockhampton, preparing them to return to their home depots to begin work.
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Contact: Corporate Communications Manager Cathy Weis
Phone: (07) 4727 5745 or 0437 343 103
